An Cosantóir

25 SEAN EGAN Moscow 1980 Flag-bearers of states-participants of the XXII Summer Olympic Games inside the main arena, the Grand Arena of the Central Lenin Stadium introduced Egan to the sport. Hammer throwing involves a 16-pound metal ball attached to steel wire and a handle. For natives of the Emerald Isle, the event has a long, storied history dating back to the Tailteann Games -- an Irish sporting festival celebrated more than a millennium before the ancient Greek Olympics. According to legend, mythological hero Cú Chulainn gripped a chariot wheel by its axle and heaved it farther than any other mortal. The contest would evolve and feature various implements, such as a sledgehammer, which gave the sport its name. Naturally, Irish-born athletes dominated the event, winning seven out of the first eight Olympiads and setting numerous world records. Although throwing heavy objects typically relies on sheer muscle, the hammer is one of the most technical events in track and field. The discipline requires both strength and cat-like agility — a unique blend of talents that suited Egan perfectly. The budding young athlete found the rotational technique surprisingly easy to learn, applying natural athleticism honed from football, swimming, and gymnastics. «I was always good on my feet,» Egan said. But despite showing early promise in school, he briefly gave up the hammer while transitioning into the military. Fortunately, his interest was soon rekindled under the guidance of seasoned Army throwers Pat Healy and Frank O'Shea. After being assigned to the Army School of Physical Culture, the private adopted a comprehensive training regimen. The hard work quickly paid off. In 1975, Egan captured the first of three consecutive All-Army Championships, emerging as one of the top throwers in the country. Three years later, he won his first national championship and broke John Lawlor's 18-year-old Irish hammer record with a throw of 65.56 metres. By 1980, Egan had set his sights on loftier goals: representing Ireland as an Olympian. At the year's first meet, he established a new national record of 70.24 in Darmstadt, West Germany. But more importantly, the mark qualified for the Olympic Games later that summer in Moscow. There, he ran into a powerful Soviet juggernaut, led by defending Olympic champion Yuriy Sedykh. The Red Army officer broke his own world record with a throw of 81.80 in a Russian sweep. Egan would continue his career on the international stage while also winning seven national hammer championships. He also claimed the 56lb weight throw crown in 1992. After six years in Óglaigh na hÉireann, he then embarked on a variety of civilian pursuits that included a landscaping business and coaching at DCU. He currently resides in Stillorgan, Co. Dublin with his wife, Regina. And yes, he still enjoys strumming his old guitar.

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