As Nick Griggs romped to victory in the 3,000 metres at the European Athletics Under 20 Championships this summer – he pointed to the heavens.
Less than six weeks previously the 16-year-old's elder brother Josh had died in an incident at work –shattering the lives of Nick and their parents Andy and Royanne.
But showing remarkable resilience in the aftermath of such agony, Cookstown High School student Nick’s victory came against rivals who were in some cases three years his superior.
Speaking to MyTyrone, Nick, from Newmills, Co Tyrone, opened up on how that mental toughness and will to win were instilled in him by the brother he idolised.
Nick said: "Josh had a massive impact on me. If anyone has an older brother, you always try and mimic them and do whatever they do.
"I've just always wanted to be exactly like him. Me and Josh actually talked about this a few times, he is a big reason for when I started running.
"He encouraged me to come with him and do everything with him, we would have done a few sessions together when I was in first year and he would have always spurred me on.
"He was always my biggest influence and my biggest supporter, if anyone ever doubted me he always told me I was good enough.
"When I came back from a mini marathon in London and I told him I didn't think I would ever be as good as some of the guys there, he said 'keep training and you will be'.
"I didn't believe it myself, I thought he was just trying to be a big brother. He was a massive influence, not just on running but in my life.”
Nick’s dad Andy said the entire family was incredibly proud of Nick and his achievements to date, especially considering how difficult the last six months have been for them.
Andy added: "We're all very proud of him, when you put what he's achieved in the last five or six months into the context of what the family has been through in that time.
"The focus, dedication and commitment has been nothing short of amazing really.
"At the same time he has been setting Irish records, British records at 5k and 3k, so we're very proud of what he's achieved and with the whole traumatic experience of what we have been through as a family he continues to lift us all the time.
Proud dad Andy said Nick is a constant source of inspiration to the family which can get them through hard times.
He added: "If you've had a bit of a crap week or not having a great time of it, he goes on to win a mini marathon or does a 5K in 14 minutes or something like that, it lifts everyone.
"They are remarkable and incredible when you think of it. It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but I think he will continue to do that.
"He knows that Josh is always there with him and giving him that extra bit of impetus, it helps him train and maintain that commitment.”
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