Fondly known as John "Bullet" Loftus, the Clarina man took Gold in the 100m Sprint for the fourth time in a row at a European Transplant & Dialysis Games. John completed the race in the short time of 15.83 seconds. Following his success he expressed his happiness, "I am delighted. The training was going brilliantly until last Saturday morning (16th August) when I damaged my calf but due to the efforts of a lot of people out here I got out on the track and won my fourth Gold in a row in the 100m sprint. The weather conditions were the worst I have ever competed in which makes it all the more of an achievement. A big thanks to my donor with whom I share this medal." John also won a Silver medal for the Darts singles event.
Former Garryowen, Munster and Ireland rugby star Richard Costello also secured two medals at the European Games. Richard is a newcomer to Transplant Team Ireland and the owner of the famous Lockes Bar in Limerick city which he runs with his wife Anna who donated a kidney to him two years ago. He won a Silver medal in the Shot Putt event and a Bronze for Golf.
After his Shot Putt event Richard said, "I am delighted. It was touch in the rain but I'm very satisfied with how I threw."
John, Richard and other members of Transplant Team Ireland return home to Ireland this weekend.
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