Treacy, who is the chief executive of the Irish Sports Council, in addition to being a former Olympic silver medallist, said the result was a testament to the painstaking effort Heffernan routinely puts into training.
“This was the payback,” he told Newstalk. “A lot of people don’t see those hard sessions in the winter time. All the training camps, wherever he’s going – being away from family, all that hard work has paid off.
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“We knew Rob was very determined to have a good championships and he certainly produced the goods today.
“I think for all kind of endurance athletes, you have to be very focused. With Rob, every second of the day is thinking about your training.
“We’ve all read the articles about the lonely existence he’s had and sleeping in the oxygen tent and that kind of thing.”
Treacy also pointed to Heffernan’s veteran status as being vital in giving him the edge in yesterday’s race.
“What obviously stood to Rob – he’s in his 30s now – is the experience. Knowing when to push and when not to push. That’s what you learn later in your career. He’s absolutely got it right. Last year, finishing fourth must have really got to him. Those type of things make you more determined.”
He continued: “Rob had the benefit of enjoying that last lap. I hadn’t because I had Charlie Spedding breathing down my neck. But I’d say Rob really enjoyed that last lap. The first feeling you have when crossing that finish line is one of total relief.
“Relief because you believed you could do it yourself. And of course, all that joy comes after that.
“Certainly, at a moment like this, you treasure it.You try to remember every moment of it.”
He added that the global nature of the sport and the occasion really made the achievement special.
“I think Rob is a fantastic athlete who’s performed really well and he has every right to enjoy the next few weeks.
“We forget it’s a global sport – all you need is a pair of shoes, shorts and a singlet and off you go.
“For a man from Cork to do it is a great tribute to Rob.”
'A lot of people don't see those hard sessions in the winter time' - Treacy pays tribute to tireless Heffernan
JOHN TREACY WAS one of the many people paying tribute to Rob Heffernan following his gold medal success yesterday.
Treacy, who is the chief executive of the Irish Sports Council, in addition to being a former Olympic silver medallist, said the result was a testament to the painstaking effort Heffernan routinely puts into training.
“This was the payback,” he told Newstalk. “A lot of people don’t see those hard sessions in the winter time. All the training camps, wherever he’s going – being away from family, all that hard work has paid off.
“We knew Rob was very determined to have a good championships and he certainly produced the goods today.
“I think for all kind of endurance athletes, you have to be very focused. With Rob, every second of the day is thinking about your training.
“We’ve all read the articles about the lonely existence he’s had and sleeping in the oxygen tent and that kind of thing.”
Treacy also pointed to Heffernan’s veteran status as being vital in giving him the edge in yesterday’s race.
“What obviously stood to Rob – he’s in his 30s now – is the experience. Knowing when to push and when not to push. That’s what you learn later in your career. He’s absolutely got it right. Last year, finishing fourth must have really got to him. Those type of things make you more determined.”
He added that the global nature of the sport and the occasion really made the achievement special.
“I think Rob is a fantastic athlete who’s performed really well and he has every right to enjoy the next few weeks.
“We forget it’s a global sport – all you need is a pair of shoes, shorts and a singlet and off you go.
“For a man from Cork to do it is a great tribute to Rob.”
Rob Heffernan: I couldn’t have done it without wife Marian>
VIDEO: The climactic moments of Rob Heffernan’s gold medal success>
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