Ireland’s mixed 4x400m relay team have secured World Championship qualification and progressed to tomorrow’s final at the World Relays in Guangzhou, China this afternoon (May 10th).
It was a case of ‘job done’ for the team of Conor Kelly, Rhasidat Adeleke, Cillin Greene, and Sharlene Mawdsley who ticked off Tokyo World Championship qualification in impressive fashion.
Racing in a competitive heat alongside one of the favourites, the USA, Kelly exploded off the blocks with a strong opening leg before passing the baton to Rhasidat Adeleke.
The Tallaght sprinter delivered a composed 400m, smoothly moving Ireland into contention before handing off to Cillín Greene, who held firm to keep the team in a strong position heading into the final leg.
The task of securing a top two finish once again fell to the seasoned anchor leg specialist in Sharlene Mawdsley who took the team home in second place in a time of 3:12.56WQ behind the USA who posted the fastest heat time of 3:11.37.
Speaking after the race, said Rhasidat Adeleke said: “I was just making sure I put my team in the best position. It’s still early in the season for me, but I’m excited to be here to have secured qualification. That’s what we came her for and I’m really proud of the team”.
Sharlene Mawdsley commented: “I was happy to get the baton in third as I had something to work towards, knowing the top two was an auto qualification spot, so we’ve ticket the box. I was put in a great position, and I was delighted to overtake on the bend and hold to clinch that second place”.
The final is set for 2pm tomorrow with changes to the team line-up expected.
The Irish women’s 4x400m relay team will have another opportunity to secure a spot at this summer’s World Championships after finishing third in their heat. They will return for tomorrow’s second round set for 12.34pm Irish time, aiming to clinch qualification.
Sophie Becker made a stellar return to the track, delivering a blistering 51.04 split on the opening leg—her first race since the 2024 Olympics and her 2025 season debut. She handed over in first place, setting a strong foundation for the team.
Lauren Cadden and Rachel McCann took the second and third legs, but a rapid 48.50 split from Germany’s Mona Myers on the third lap pushed Ireland into third by the final exchange. Phil Healy anchored with a determined effort but the time of 3:30.06 left them just outside automatic qualification but still in contention for tomorrow’s crucial race.
The men’s 4x400m team of Chris O’Donnell, Callum Baird, Marcus Lawler, and Jack Raftery finished in sixth place in their respective heat, clocking 3:05.47. They too will return to the track tomorrow afternoon (12.56pm) as they bid to secure World Championship qualification.
Full results: https://tinyurl.com/yc7kru8s
World Athletics Relays – Irish in Action (Local times in brackets)
Day Two (Sunday May 11th)
- Women’s 4x400m – World Championships Qualifying Round Two – 12:34 (19:34)
- Men’s 4x400m – World Championships Qualifying Round Two – 12:56 (19:56)
- Mixed 4x400m – Final – 14:03 (21:03)
- Women’s 4x400m – Final – 14:36 (21:36)
- Men’s 4x400m – Final – 14:49 (21:49)
