Irish man John Travers overcomes personal tragedy to place ninth at World University Games

John Travers ran an incredibly brave race at the World University Games on Friday, after two tough days off the track.

The Athlone IT student courageously chose to compete in the 1500m final, after receiving the news that his father had passed away from a battle with a long term illness the day before the race.

Travers, from Dublin, ran an intelligent race and gradually moved up field with each lap. He completed the final in a time of 3.42.63, which was enough to earn him ninth place at the games.

The race was won by Aleksei Kharitonov of Russia claiming, who finished with a time of 3.39.13.