Superb John Continues his awesome season with Silver Medal in Scottish Championship.
22.08.07
News...
DUKA Athlete John Ruddy jnr has continued making awesome progress in the track this year. Following his brilliant performances at the recent European Deaf Athletics Championship held in Sofia where he ran Personal Bests (PB) in the 100m and 200m, his determination to further make improvements meant that John did not rest on his laurels. As soon as the plane landed in Scotland, John together with his father plotted more competitions to participate it. Although Ruddy narrowly missed out on representing Scotland at the British Schools Championships, he entered alternative races.
Ruddy’s self motivation to reach the top in his events is paying off. On 18th and 19th August 2007 he competed in the "The Bank of Scotland National Age Group Championships" in Grangemouth, Glasgow.
Ruddy apparently found the awful rain lashed Grangemouth track too much to cope with as he managed 6th position in his 100m heat in a time of 11.95s, which unfortunately did not take him to the next round. “I was really disappointed that I did not do as well as I am capable of in the 100m. I must have been distracted by the rainy and windy conditions. Its all a learning experience for me” says Ruddy.
Sunday proved to be a better day both on the track for Ruddy and also with the weather conditions.
In dry almost windless conditions John qualified easily for the 200m final in a time of 23.23s, he was 2nd in his heat and was also the 2nd fastest qualifier.
After looking at the times of the 8 finalists, John felt confident of winning a medal, but what colour would it be? In the final itself, John got a great start running in lane 3, and with the athlete who beat him in the heats in lane 4, it gave him a target to chase. “I wanted to make sure that I kept up with this David Clark who had finished ahead of me in the previous round. I knew if I kept up with him, I would win a medal.” Predicted Ruddy. This was exactly what happened. As the race entered the home straight it was clear to everyone that it was now a two horse race for the title, with Ruddy slightly in front, then with 15 or 20m to go the lead appeared to change, as the athletes crossed the line no-one was sure who had won the title.
“I personally thought John was 2nd, but there were others within the stadium who thought that John had dipped on the line and just won it.” Says John’s Father Mr. Ruddy.
200m Personal BestUnfortunately Mr. Ruddy was right! In the photo-finish, his son was awarded 2nd place and the Silver medal in a time of 22.95s, just 0.02s behind the winner, John's time was a p/b and also his first time under 23secs.
After the race and out of respect of each other John and the eventual winner turned and gave high 5's as the both knew they were in a battle.
For the record the bronze medal was won in a time of 23.38secs.
100m Personal BestRather than go home and hang up his spikes, Ruddy, just like a true warrior, went home, polished his spikes and plotted his next battles! It was not long before Ruddy tried to make amend for this earlier 100m performance, that he entered two Open Graded competitions with the intention of doing the 100m at Crownpoint, Glasgow on Tuesday, and the 100m at Linwood on Wednesday. “But my plans changed as soon as I saw the National 200m Champion at Linwood on Wednesday. I quickly declared my intention to compete in the 200m also.” Grins Ruddy. “I wanted to have another go at him and hopefully run another PB.” Like the Scottish Championship, it was another neck to neck race, with Ruddy narrowing missing out again on a first position. However, putting this disappointment aside, on Wednesday, John gave another strong performance winning the 100m in a time of 11.45s (p/b).
"John was flying. I'm delighted for him as he works hard in training, a great achievement a well earned medal and a p/b you can't ask for more". Comments Ruddy’s Coach John!
“I am very proud of John’s rapid improvement this last few months. I knew he is going to be a real force in both the mainstream and deaf athletics world. I will continue to keep my eyes on his performances. Well done John” says DUKA Director Brian Kokoruwe.
