![\"Attractive](\"http:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/athlete2-570x380.jpg\")
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By Gavin Spillane<\/p>\n
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Kieran Elliot, a 21-year-old runner from Sligo, operates on a tight schedule every week with little to no time for anything outside training and college.<\/p>\n
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This is indicative of the sacrifices he has had to make over the years in order to be where he is. As many can imagine, winning 26 national medals and six international medals requires 100 percent commitment.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThere have been a lot of sacrifices made along the way,\u201d Kieran explained. \u201cI worked in a Topaz garage for two and a half years but I had to make the decision between working and athletics and as you could guess, athletics won.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Amongst his other sacrifices are the nights out, which are standard practice for the typical University of Limerick student. Not for this student though, as he explains that the Irish team are put on a strict regime and any disruption to this regime can \u201cmake the body more susceptible to injuries. So you can\u2019t afford too many late nights.\u201d<\/p>\n
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As mentioned, Kieran\u2019s timetable doesn\u2019t offer much outside of college and training. A typical day for him will start in the UL Sports Arena with a vigorous gym session that can vary from squats and deadlifts to core exercises and plyometrics.<\/p>\n
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College hours are then wedged between the gym session and training on the outdoor track at 6 pm. Following training, he goes home to eat and makes sure he gets adequate nutrition and rest.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI train six days a week, 16 hours in total and that\u2019s before you add in the college hours,\u201d he said, with a hint of a sigh.<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s all about striking the right balance between athletics and academics for the second year Business student as he looks to build an already impressive looking CV. He has had a lot of success over the last year alone, chief amongst these were the Irish u-23\u2019s record breaking time of 39.87 in the 4x100m relay and a 5th<\/sup> place finish in the 100m in Tallin, Estonia.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fresh from two weeks in an intense warm weather training camp along Spain\u2019s Costa Del Sol, Kieran says he has big plans for the future and will continue to chase the marginal gains.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI believe that what I have achieved is only the tip of the iceberg and I want to compete at the highest level. I am a very determined and hard working individual and I don\u2019t want to be held back from fulfilling my dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As an international level sprinter, travelling abroad to race is a regular occurrence in order to keep driving the standards up and be recognised amongst the other athletes across the world. This can prove to be financially challenging but with a supportive family and sponsors Callan and Tansey at his side, he can \u201ccontinue to pursue the ultimate dream and compete at the World Championship and The Olympics.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For now, all signs point to the European Championship in Amsterdam next year and Kieran has his sights set firmly on the 200m race.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Until then, there will be no slowing down for the Sligo native as he looks to race his way to the top.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n