Evergreen Phil makes strong start in World Championships

STRATFORD AC veteran Phil Brennan made a strong start in the World Masters Athletic Championships in Perth, Australia.

Still suffering from jetlag after the long flight, the 74-year-old was straight into action last Thursday with the qualifying heats of the 800m.

Triumphing in windy conditions, he was the fastest of the three British competitors, qualifying for the final in a

time of 2 mins 54 secs, putting him fifth in the national rankings for his M70 age group.

Just a day later, Brennan was lining up in the final as the oldest competitor against the best 800m runners in the world for his age group.

American Noel Haynes eventually won a hard-fought race in under 2.30. Brennan could not match his form in the heats and finished down the field in 2.58.

With scarcely time to rest, Brennan was up at 4am the next day to get ready for the final of the 5,000m.

In sharp showers and swirling winds, Brennan finished in mid-table in 22.30.