Sprinter Sean O’Donnell aims to continue his climb up the athletics ladder
A talented teenage athlete is hoping to continue his rise up the ranks ahead of a crucial campaign.
Sprinter Sean O'Donnell has produced a series of eye-catching displays after bursting onto the international scene.
The 16-year-old from Stamford has earned a series of call-ups for Ireland's youth teams and is keen to continue his progress ahead of the new season.
The Bourne Grammar School pupil heads off to a warm weather training camp in Portugal this weekend in preparation for a summer of massive meetings.
He is hoping to earn selection for both the European Under 20 Championships and the European Youth Olympics.
Sean - who attended Casterton Community College - had originally started his sporting life as a young footballer with Wittering Harriers before turning to the athletics track.
He explained: "One of my football coaches spoke to my dad about how fast I was on the wing and that I really should be on the track.
"I went over to Corby Athletics Club in 2019 and, although I was fast, I wasn't at a good level for a couple of years.
"I'm not sure what it was in 2022 but I really took off and ran times that moved me up the English rankings.
"That really inspired me to keep on going because there were times when I first started out when I wasn't doing so well that I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue.
"My dad kept driving me on though and that all probably comes down to where I am now.
"I'm not really sure what changed but it might have been some sort of growth spurt which just fuelled me to take me to where I am now."
Sean switched to join Peterborough and Nene Valley Athletic Club in 2023 where he joined forces with coach Dee Walker.
Walker has worked with a number of top level athletes, such as Dwain Chambers, and devised suitable programmes to enhance Sean's progress.
He added: "There is a real heavy mentality side to it as well and Dee has been a big help with that.
"You can do all the physical work but your head space also needs to be there to succeed.
"I had started to establish myself in 2023 but I didn't really have any competitions to my name.
"I'd make appearances but I wouldn't really compete in the finals or for the medals.
"Once I fell into Dee's hands, he mentored and coached me to a silver medal at the English Schools Championships as well as the national events in Ireland."
Sean qualifies to represent Ireland through his dad, Alan, and has been representing Tallaght Athletics Club.
He has regularly featured among the leading contenders in open meetings which put him on the radar of national selectors.
Sean was crowned Dublin and Irish Under 17 champion last season as well as scooping the Under 17 Scottish Championship crown.
The 100m and 200m sprinter set a new championship record on his way to becoming All Ireland Under 17 champion and also bagged a bronze medal at the prestigious Schools International Athletic Board event in Wales.
He is aiming to continue his quest for success this season with his ultimate goal of earning a scholarship to study and train in America after completing his A-Levels.
Sean said: "Going to America is something that I've been thinking about since 2022. It would be my overall aim.
"It would be the best for education purposes and also having the best facilities and coaches."
Sean is currently in year 12 at Bourne Grammar School and is combining his A-Level studies in law, business and sociology with his strict training programme.
He is on the track every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday before heading to the gym on a Wednesday and Friday with Mondays earmarked for circuit sessions.
Dad Alan commented: "It's all about pure dedication but myself and Dee watch the psychological element of it as well.
"We have to make sure that Sean is dealing with everything and not over-doing it but it's all balanced pretty well."
Sean will be competing in the national indoor championships in Dublin next month as he continues to work towards meeting the time criteria for the big European events in July and August.
