Olympic Games are the priority for the golden girl of Tipperary athletics
Sharlene Mawdsley returned in triumph from European Championships
The Olympic Games, which begin in Paris at the end of next month, is the next major target for Sharlene Mawdsley.
Before then there's also the matter of the 123.ie National Senior Track and Field Athletics Championships, which take place at Morton Stadium in Dublin on Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30.
The golden girl of Tipperary athletics returned home in triumph from the recent European Championships in Rome with a gold medal won with the Irish 4 x 400 metres mixed relay team and a silver medal won with the women’s 4 x 400 metres relay team, as well as claiming a place in the women’s 400 metres final.
Towards the end of the European Championships, she said she would consult with her coach, Nenagh man Gary Ryan, to discuss her preparations for the Olympics.
The mixed 4 x 400 team of Chris O’Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley won a historic gold medal for Ireland. The team came home in a national record time of 3:09.92, a performance that also set a new championship record on one of the great nights for Irish athletics.
North Sligo athlete O’Donnell led things off and was fourth in 46.09 when handing over to Adeleke, who clocked a 49.53 second split before passing over to Barr in first place.
The Waterford man ran an outstanding leg of 44.90 to remain in second place before handing over the baton to Mawdsley (49.40), who bided her time before hitting the front coming down the last 100 metres in front of huge Irish support in the stadium.
“Honestly it’s insane, I just crossed the line and said ‘what’s going on’.
“Everyone says it’s great for Paris but to soak this in right now is everything I’m gonna do,” a delighted Newport AC athlete Mawdsley stated.
“Whatever happens in these championships, I’m walking away with a gold medal and honestly it’s amazing.
“I’ve trained my life for this. It’s everything to me, it’s probably everything to the team. The whole stadium was just amazing, the Irish fans turn up every time, it’s just super.
“Honestly, I did not think we would win. I can’t wait to step up on the podium tomorrow and hear the national anthem. I think there will be a few tears,” said 25-year-old Sharlene, who ran five races in six days in Rome.
In the women’s 4x400 metres relay Mawdsley was joined by Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke and Phil Healy, and the team set another new national record time of 3:22.71.
Mawdsley ran yet another superb final leg, briefly looking as though she may challenge for gold coming into the final 50 metres, before ultimately settling for a superb silver medal for the Irish behind The Netherlands.