Hi there! I’m John Coghlan, a middle distance athlete who is ready to make a leap to the next level. I was born in New York City while my father Eamonn Coughlan, who was World Champion, World Record Holder, European Champion, and a 3 time Olympian, was living, working and competing there. I moved to Castleknock in Dublin at the age of 2. Funnily enough it wasn’t my dad’s success that made me want to get into athletics.  I played soccer until the age of 10. A friend at the time asked if I wanted to go running in a club (Metro St. Brigid’s AC). Dad noticed I was good and from then on he nurtured me and trained me until I developed physically and mentally. One interesting thing is that I am the only one in the family who hasn’t ran a marathon. Maybe in the future!

After finishing university in June 2013 I decided to make the move to go professional and really try to make it as a professional. From a young age I have been coached by my dad. I have always been training and planning for the right time to make the next move in my running career. Year on year I’ve progressed at every level, getting stronger, faster and smarter with my training. At the perfect age of 25, I am in the prime condition to make it to the top level.

Going through school I won all the titles from West Leinster track and cross, Leinsters cross and track, and All-Ireland schools cross and track. I also got to run in the prestigious Millrose games in the High School

In 2010 I was apart of the Irish U23 Team that won the Gold Medal at the European Cross Country Championships in Albufeira in Portugal. We were the first Irish team to win a gold medal at any major Championships.

Career Highlights:

• 2013 National Indoor Champion 1500m.
• 2013 National Outdoor 3rd place 1500m.
• Sub 4 miler.1 of 5 father/son’s in the world to ever do that! More people have gone to the top of Everest then have run under 4 minutes for a mile.

My main focus for this year is to qualify for the European Track & Field Championships in August. I could potentially qualify for the World Indoor T&F championships in March.

Training is full time for me. A typical week goes something like this:

Monday: I do gym work and a 9 mile run.

Tuesday: An easier run in the morning of 5 miles and another session in the evening.

Wednesday: I do a gym session in the morning and a 12 mile run in the afternoon.

Thursday: An easier run in the morning and another session in the evening.

Friday:  My easy day! I do a session in the gym, or have a complete day off.

Saturday: I do one session in the morning.

Sunday: Generally I have a long run of 15 miles.

The reason I have taken to Pledge Sports is to raise funding which will go towards covering the cost of training camps abroad, trips to competitions in the UK, Europe and the USA. The contributions will go towards covering the cost of supplements and equipment (shoes and gear). Living cost is also a factor here too. This year I hope to get to the next elite level, competing at an international level. I want to be at the level where I don’t have to worry about qualifying times. Just running fast and competing with the best in the sport.

Funding Goal:

My goal is to raise €7,000 to help me fund competitions in the UK and Europe, as well as warm weather training camps which will also be partially covered by Athletics Ireland. I need additional funding to cover travel and living expenses which can be between €800 and €1,000. A big trip to West Coast of the USA will cost upwards of €2,500 all in, including flights, accommodation and transport. The reason for going to America is because the standard of racing is far superior than here in Ireland and qualifying times will come easier for me. Other expenses include shoes (€120 every 3 months) and supplements €100 (every 2 months).

If I could raise €7,000 it would make a huge impact to my career and I would really appreciate your support in making this happen!

Twitter: @Yo_JohnC

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/John-Coghlan