WIT Vikings Sport Elite Scholarship recipient Phil Healy will compete for Team Ireland in 200m, 400m and 4x400m mixed relay at the Tokyo Olympics while WIT lecturer Dr Ciara Losty is with Team Ireland as a psychologist
A WIT Masters student, Phil Healy is to represent Ireland in three athletics disciplines at the Tokyo Olympics. Her events are 200m, 400m and 4x400m mixed relay.
MSc in Computing (Enterprise Software Systems) student Phil (26) is a WIT Vikings Elite Sports Scholar and is known as Ireland's fastest woman (in 100m). Phil begins her Olympic adventure in Toyko on Friday, 30 July at 12pm Irish time in the first heat of the 4 x 400m mixed relay event. She will go on to compete in a further two events, the 200m and 400m. Healy is one 116 athletes will compete for Team Ireland across 19 sports, with action running from Friday 23 July-Sunday 8 August 2021.
The Bandon native trains under WIT Vikings Sport Athletics Development Officer, Shane McCormack and utilises the state of the art facilities at WIT Arena as one of her main training bases. Her sports psychologist is Dr Ciara Losty, WIT Department of Sport and Exercise Science lecturer and as part of her sports scholarship programme she avails of physio supports, academic supports and financial bursaries.
MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology course leader Dr Losty is with Team Ireland in Tokyo as a performance psychologist and is also working as the transition psychologist - "so when all the athletes return to Ireland they will have support and a check in to help them decompress after the games or direct them to any support needed," she explains.
Wishing @CiaraLosty a SAW board member as she supports athletes in Tokyo S a part of Team Ireland ����support staff https://t.co/aHuzt81kRX
— Sports Active (@SportActiveWex) July 21, 2021
Irish record holder at 100m
The Irish record holder over 100m (11:28, 2018) and ranked second over 200m, Phil was just pipped for a 400m medal at this year’s European Indoors. She is a European junior finalist and a two-time World Student Games finalist. Phil won her 14th National Title this year when she won the 200m and 400m. Her 400m PB, set in Belfast in May, places her third on the Irish all-time list behind Joanne Cuddihy and Karen Shinkins.
WIT a game-changer, says Phil
Speaking prior to her departure Healy outlined her appreciation of the support she has received "the sports scholarship programme in WIT is second to none and for me it was a game changer and is so well established. The services and supports offered to me have made a massive difference to me in terms of my sporting career. I’m so grateful for all the help and support from everyone at WIT Vikings Sports and the WIT Arena."
"Inspirational athlete"
WIT Novus CEO Mike Geoghegan described Phil as the consummate professional and an inspiration to everyone. "The Olympics is the pinnacle of an athlete's career and everyone in WIT, WIT Novus, Vikings Sport and the WIT Arena would like to wish both Phil and her coach Shane the very best of luck at the Toyko Olympics."
We’re off to the big dance in Tokyo�� Couldn’t be prouder of this ladies achievements, breaking barriers and showing what can be done with a plan, drive and ambition. To qualify in 3 events is a bonus. Thanks to all who helped along the way you know who you are. Game on ������ https://t.co/X0CMtErGFZ
— Shane McCormack (@mcwexford) July 8, 2021
Watch Phil in action at the Olympics
4x400m mixed relay heats
Friday, 30 July 8pm local time / 12pm (midday) Irish time
200m heats
Monday, 2 August 10.30am local time / 2.30am Irish time
400m heats
Tuesday, 3 August 9.45am local time / 1.45am Irish time
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
