Costin’s first steps back

HE may be wrapped in plaster from his hips to his armpits, but the message from Olympic racewalker Jamie Costin yesterday was not to write him off just yet.

The West Waterford man’s Athens dream may have been shattered when he was involved in a serious traffic accident in Greece less than two weeks before he was due to take part in the 50k walk, and while he admits he is lucky to be alive, he insists the damage to the dream is not beyond repair.

“I walked a kilometre on crutches the other day and, even if it took me all of 21 minutes, I feel that those were my first steps back to competitive walking,” he said. “I know it is going to take time and I’ll admit it is a huge mountain to climb, but it is a challenge I am looking forward to.”