BREAKING: 'Finally time to close the door,' Sharlene Mawdsley issues powerful statement

Tipperary's Sharlene Mawdsley has issued a powerful statement after a disappointing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as the curtains come down on a difficult season. 

The Newport AC sprinter reached the semi-final of the women's 400m in Tokyo but came up short of a spot in the final -  finishing in eighth place.

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There was no joy either in the team events for Ireland in the mixed and women's 400m relay with the races already lost by the time they came to Mawdsley's final leg. 

It's been a difficult year for Sharlene after the tragic passing of her father, Thomas (Tucker) Mawdsley, but many have praised her courage to keep going and keep training and taking part in events and even winning a national title in the process. 

In a statement after her first race following Tucker's passing earlier this year, Sharlene said: "I don't want to continue to touch on this subject publicly however, I do want to express my gratitude to those who have helped me these last number of weeks.

"To those who helped me get to the start line, my competitors for being so gracious and understanding, to my teammates and the staff this weekend for their help, they trusted me, when I wasn’t sure I even trusted myself.

"I will never be able to express my thanks to all of the people who have been there these last number of weeks (I hope you know who you all are) but I will never forget it."

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Sharlene went on to win a 200m national title when in August, when she lit up the 123.ie National Senior Athletics Championships, powering to victory in the women’s 200 metres final.

Mawdsley, in front of Tipperary All-Ireland winning hurler and boyfriend Michael Breen, crossed the line into a stiff breeze in 23.55 (-2.6 m/s).

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Tipperary's Michael Breen and Sharlene Mawdsley beaming after All-Ireland glory

Now, in a statement after the World Athletics Championships on September 22, as Sharlene made her home to Ireland from Tokyo, the much-loved sprinter has made a promise to the Irish public. 

She said: "Finally time to close the door on what has been a whirlwind of a season. Ups, downs and everything in between. 

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Tipperary's Michael Breen and Sharlene Mawdsley beaming after All-Ireland glory

"The fighter in me wants more, but I’m proud of getting back out there and giving it what I had."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sharlene Mawdsley. (@sharlenem1)

"I have many people to thank this year for the support and love I have received when I needed it most, it takes a village.

"I’ll be back."

Hundreds replied to Sharlene's post to her 275,000 Instagram followers and even Irish sprinter, Rhasidat Adeleke, who was not at the World Athletics Championships due to injury, said: "Proud of you."

Just last month, Shannon Airport announced a new partnership with the Newport sprinter. 

400m runner and 200m national champion, as well as European medalist and Irish Olympian, Sharlene will be a Shannon Airport Ambassador for the next three years.

From the track to the terminal, Sharlene has travelled the world and captivated the nation with her record-breaking performances - including taking European Gold and Silver in the 4 x 400m mixed and women's relay teams last year.

With her sights now set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Sharlene and All-Ireland winning hurler Michael Breen have made a major change in their lives together and said goodbye to their Thurles home - marking what Sharlene called the "end of the Thurles era".

The Newport Olympian has revealed the reason she moved out of Thurles back in August in a Q&Q on Instagram with her friends.

One fan asked: "Did you move out of Thurles?"

And Sharlene replied: "Thurles was a nice chapter and Lola's (their dog's) first home but I'm not too sad to be leaving to be closer to my family and friends yay. I was 45 mins from home."

An image shared on social media earlier in the week showed two sets of house keys was shared with her over 274,000 followers on Instagram and read: "End of the Thurles era."

Tipperary's Michael Breen and Sharlene Mawdsley returned from the Canary Islands late August after a "quick visit" and have been sharing their experiences with their social media followers.

Mawdsley formed a relationship with All-Ireland winner Michael Breen, who was also tagged in the social media post, and the pair went Instagram official earlier this summer.