logo
He took up running 70 years ago - now 'sprinting monk' finally has gold medal

He took up running 70 years ago - now 'sprinting monk' finally has gold medal

An elderly monk has shown off his gold medal for winning his first athletic championship at the age of 81 - after 70 years of trying.
Dubbed the 'sprinting monk', Father John Gribben - inspired by the film Chariots of Fire - ran the 60m, 200m, and 400m sprint races in aid of poor children in Africa.
He has now been pictured with gold medal he won in a 400 metre race - fulfilling an ambition that has spanned decades.
Father John, originally from Belfast, first took up running 70 years ago in the 1950s. The pious pacer, said he almost collapsed at the time, but has flourished in the last ten years and now takes two buses every Saturday morning to attend a Parkrun event in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. He has also raised £6,000 (€7,100) for the Tariro charity, which helps young people in Zimbabwe.
In February, Father John beat out the competition to take gold in the 80+ category at the British Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre in London.
He completed the race in two minutes, three seconds, 190 milliseconds. Despite the unexpected win, Father John says he doesn't believe there was any divine intervention behind his win, instead crediting it to his hard work and the support others have given him.
He said: 'I'd hate to think that I was using something that gave me an advantage of the others other than my training and my strength. But, the encouragement that comes from my faith is a great help. There have been bad nights, or nights when I've had too much to eat, when I'm not in the mood for going out for a run.
'I just say to my saviour, 'if you go with me, I'll go running', and then I start to get my gear on and go out. As to being given an extra surge of energy or strength, I'm not sure that would be fair.'
The sprightly monk continues to take two buses every Saturday to attend his local Parkrun before heading home to his Monastery – taking time to stop for a bacon butty first.
As well as his gold in the 400 metres, Father John also achieved bronze in the 60 metres with a time of 13.16 seconds, and in the 200 metres with a time of 47.66 seconds.
Father John joined the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield, West Yorks., in 1979, after moving from Belfast.
He discovered the monastery on a visit to Liverpool in 1966, while he was watching Brazil play in the World Cup, and was taken by its beauty he made the move 13 years later as there was a lack of Anglican churches in Ireland. He's since devoted his life to prayer, worship, and ministry.
For the last 10 years, he's found solace in running and keeps fit by training six days a week, involving a mixture of running around the monastery, at his local Parkrun and hitting the gym.
Click here to donate to Father John's fundraising efforts.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Luxembourg won't be distracted by Gerson Rodrigues controversy against Ireland says manager
Luxembourg won't be distracted by Gerson Rodrigues controversy against Ireland says manager

Irish Examiner

time29 minutes ago

  • Irish Examiner

Luxembourg won't be distracted by Gerson Rodrigues controversy against Ireland says manager

Luc Holtz insists his Luxembourg side are not distracted by the ongoing controversy over Gerson Rodrigues ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Ireland. The striker – who scored the winner in a 2021 World Cup qualifier at Lansdowne Road – has been handed an 18-month suspended sentence after being convicted of three assault offences, including against his former girlfriend Emily Boland. His appeal against the sentence was rejected. Rodrigues's presence in the team for Friday's defeat against Slovenia prompted protests from a section of supporters, with banners confiscated. Although the Luxembourg federation issued an apology on Monday for the heavy-handedness of security, outlining their position on Rodrigues in a long statement, the manager batted away questions about the episode on the eve of facing Ireland. 'Nothing interests this team,' Holtz said of the media storm still swirling around Luxembourg and beyond. 'The focus is on the pitch. Everything not on the pitch, in the stands, outside should not distract this team.' Pressed further on the matter, in particular why the manager continues to select a player convicted of such a serious crime, the federation media officer Marc Diederich intervened. 'The reason the federation allows the manager to pick the player is because the punishment came from the court,' he contended on the basis of double jeopardy. 'It is not a reason for the public or the journalists to give him a second punishment for the same thing. 'He did not go to prison and is free to do everything, including go to the supermarket. He could play for the club and national team. 'There are similar examples of players who continued to play after conviction, including Lucas Hernandez. 'Nobody says it is okay to bother a woman. Our player is getting a second chance and we have said this can never happen again.' Rodrigues, who has just completed his eight loan spell away from parent club Dynamo Kyiv, will spearhead their attack at the Stade de Luxembourg in what is their final friendly before the World Cup qualifiers kick off in September. First up in a group that includes Germany and Slovakia is Northern Ireland. Just like arranging a friendly against Slovakia's neighbours Slovenia, there's a purpose to undertaking a dry run against Ireland. 'It will be a very good test because both Ireland and Northern Ireland are physically very strong players,' said Holtz, embracing the stereotypes. 'They high intensity in the game. The mentality is quite close between Ireland and Northern Ireland so this is perfect preparation for the match in September.' Holtz's first magic moment of his five-year spell at the helm came in an Covid-19 enforced empty Lansdowne Road in 2021 but Ireland exacted revenge by running out 3-0 victors in the return. 'The team did not change so much since 2021, only a few new young players being added,' he summarised as the difference between the team led by Stephen Kenny against what he'll be confronted by under Heimir Hallgrimsson. 'Ireland's other players have now got more experience and confidence but football is the same in 2021 and 2025. Maybe we have more experience too.'

Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland predictions, odds and betting tips
Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland predictions, odds and betting tips

The Irish Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Irish Sun

Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland predictions, odds and betting tips

THE REPUBLIC of Ireland return to action on Tuesday as they face Luxembourg, looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches. After an encouraging 1-1 draw against Senegal on Friday, Heimir Hallgrímsson's side will aim to build momentum with another strong performance as preparations continue for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers starting in September. Quick Luxembourg vs Ireland tips Ireland to win - Troy Parrott to score anytime - BTTS - Luxembourg vs Ireland odds Find the latest football betting odds for Luxembourg vs Ireland. Our odds are provided by the Luxembourg vs Ireland predictions Optimism is growing that manager Heimir Hallgrímsson can guide the Boys in Green to their first World Cup finals since 2002. Under the Icelandic coach, Ireland have shown clear signs of progress. While they face a tough qualifying group featuring Portugal, Hungary, and Armenia, a second-place finish - and the accompanying play-off spot - is seen as a realistic target. Back-to-back wins over Bulgaria secured Ireland's place to Nations League B, and those results were followed by an encouraging 1-1 draw against Senegal on Friday night. Kasey McAteer marked his first start in a green shirt with a 21st-minute goal. Both sides created chances, but it was Senegal's superior quality in the final third that told, as substitute Ismaila Sarr finally found a way past Caoimhin Kelleher in the 82nd minute. On the balance of play, the visitors probably merited a draw to maintain their unbeaten run. Still, Ireland can take plenty of positives from a strong display against an in-form Senegal side. A win over Luxembourg is no longer the formality it once was. In their last outing, the Red Lions fell just short in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Slovenia on Friday, with Tamar Svetlin scoring the only goal just before half-time. That result marked Luxembourg's first home loss in three matches. While Luc Holtz's side have struggled for overall consistency, recent performances at the Luxembourg Stadium suggest they are no pushovers on home soil. In March, they claimed an impressive 1-0 win over Sweden in a friendly, and last November, they came from two goals down to earn a hard-fought Nations League 2-2 draw against Northern Ireland. READ MORE SUN STORIES Luxembourg vs Ireland betting tips Heimir Hallgrímsson will be keen to maintain the momentum his side has built in recent outings and avoid a setback on the road against Luxembourg. While this fixture presents its challenges, Ireland head into the match as favourites to win. Our Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland match betting tips are below: Ireland to win Luxembourg may have managed a win and a draw in their last three home games, but their overall form remains inconsistent. That includes their disappointing loss to Slovenia on Friday night. In contrast, Ireland appears to be on an upward trajectory. If the Boys in Green can replicate the level of performance they showed in Friday's 1-1 draw with Senegal, there's every reason to believe they can secure another win at the Luxembourg Stadium. Ireland ran out 3-0 winners on their last visit in November 2021. While a repeat of that scoreline may be unlikely, Heimir Hallgrímsson's side should still have enough quality to get the job done. ➡️ Troy Parrott to score anytime After missing out on a starting role against Senegal due to illness, Troy Parrott is expected to return to the lineup against Luxembourg. The 23-year-old is coming off a standout season with AZ Alkmaar, where he netted 20 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. With Heimir Hallgrímsson looking to get his in-form striker more comfortable at international level, backing Parrott to score anytime here looks like a smart bet. ➡️ Both teams to score We know that Luxembourg have their issues in front of goal, but Ireland have their own problems at the back. The Boys in Green have conceded in eight of their last nine matches. Furthermore, the hosts have scored in four of their last six matches and in two of their last three at home. No in this market is the favourite at 8/13. We think it's worth a small wager on yes at odds against, especially given Ireland's recent defensive record. ➡️ 📺 How to watch Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland Location : Stade de Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Date and time : Tuesday 10th June, 7.45pm. How to watch : RTE2, RTE Player and Amazon Prime Video. About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Responsible gambling A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Problem gambling – Gamble Aware – Help with gambling addiction If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland. Most read in Betting

Robert Lewandowski refuses to play for Poland ‘as long as coach is in charge'
Robert Lewandowski refuses to play for Poland ‘as long as coach is in charge'

Irish Examiner

time2 hours ago

  • Irish Examiner

Robert Lewandowski refuses to play for Poland ‘as long as coach is in charge'

Robert Lewandowski has quit the Polish national team, saying he will not return to play for his country while the current manager remains in the role. Michal Probierz, who has been in charge of Poland since 2023, replaced Lewandowski as captain with Inter's Piotr Zielinski on Sunday. 'Taking into account the circumstances and a loss of trust in the coach, I have decided to resign from playing for the Poland national team for as long as he remains in charge,' Lewandowski, 36, wrote on social media. 'I hope I will still have another chance to play again for the best fans in the world.' The striker, who is by some distance Poland's record appearance-maker and top scorer, was not included in Probierz's squad for their fixtures in June in order to rest after finishing the club season with Barcelona. 'Playing in the white and red colours has always been a dream come true for me, but sometimes the body gives a signal that it is necessary to take a breather for a moment,' Lewandowski wrote on social media on 2 June. Lewandowski did however attend Friday's friendly win against Moldova, appearing on the bench alongside the head coach Probierz, as Poland bade farewell to the forward Kamil Grosicki, who was earning his 95th and final cap. Two days later, the Polish FA said Lewandowski had been replaced by Zielinski as captain of the national team 'by decision of the coach'. A statement said: 'The coach personally informed Robert Lewandowski, the entire team and the training staff of his decision'. Lewandowski has made 158 appearances for Poland – 49 more than the second-highest cap holder Jakub Blaszczykowski – and scored 85 goals – 37 more than the second top scorer, Wlodzimierz Lubanski. He has played at two World Cups and four European Championships, including Euro 2012, jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine. Lewandowski first captained his country in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino in 2013. Poland face Finland in Helsinki on Tuesday night looking to keep up their 100% record in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Guardian

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store