New world record holder - Tony Gartland

Tony Gartland, who lives near Hacketsown on the Wicklow/Carlow border, captured the 5km walk title at the Games last week, and it emerged over the weekend that he had established a new world record for the event in the 40-49 category.
“I am delighted. Running has been my main sport since getting my new liver in 1993, but over the past few years I have got into race-walking,” said Tony.
“I came third in the National Veterans Championship recently, and that gave me the push to go on and have a right go in Australia. The two sports complement each other quite well, and I really enjoy the race-walking now.
“Plus, nothing shines quite like gold!”
Tony recorded a time of 28 minutes 59.25 seconds, which smashes the old record of just over 30 minutes.
He also won silver medals in the 1500m and 5km road race in Gold Coast. “To compete, and win, in races like this is my way of saying thanks to my donor who gave me the gift of life,” said Tony.
The 19-strong team, ranging in age from 22 to 64, travelled Down Under with 13 new kidneys, five new livers and one new kidney-pancreas.
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