TWO IRISH TEAMS SEAL OLYMPIC SPOTS ON MAGICAL NIGHT IN NASSAU
The Irish Mixed and Women’s 4x400m relay teams sealed their spots at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in scintillating fashion on Day One of the World Athletics Relays in Nassau, the Bahamas.
Both teams ran superb national records to win their heats and illustrated once again Ireland’s strength on the global relay stage.
First up it was the turn of the Mixed 4x400m team which comprised of Cillin Greene (Galway City Harriers), Rhasidat Adeleke (Tallaght AC), Thomas Barr (Ferrybank AC) and Sharlene Mawdsley (Newport AC) who clocked a time of 3:12.50 to win their heat.
Speaking to Athletics Ireland afterwards Thomas Barr and Cillin Greene couldn’t contain their delight.
“We knew in our heart of hearts that we had everything we had we needed to qualify and to get through and win this race but sometimes it’s about executing it. I feel like we did that exactly what we needed to do to get the job done,” Barr said.
“That’s our first race as a unit this year. Looking forward it looks like we’re only going to get faster, it’s really promising to have the team together and doing so well this early in the season.”
Adeleke and Mawdsley would make a remarkable comeback ninety minutes later to help the Women’s team to victory in 3:24.38 taking over one and a half seconds off the previous record.
Mawdsley split under 51 seconds for the second time in the evening, while Adeleke was once again under 50 seconds.
Stellar performances also from Sophie Becker (Raheny Shamrock AC) and Phil Healy (Bandon AC) allowed Ireland to storm to the win.
Speaking afterwards Adeleke and Mawdsley gave their reaction:
“If anything I was feeling a little bit sleepy after being up so early this morning,” Adeleke said. “Knowing that we could all qualify for the Olympics gives you enough energy to go out there and do your best.”
“We couldn’t have asked for much more. Two wins, two national records…what a dreamy night. I can’t put into words how much this means to us all. We ticked off all the checklist for today,” Mawdsley added.
Both teams will now prepare for finals tomorrow.
Day Two – World Athletics Relays Irish schedule:
- Mixed 4x400m Relay final – 02:40
- Women’s 4x400m Relay final – 03:10