Super-Substitute Mawdsley Leads Ireland to 4x400m World Final

Irish Examiner

Irish athletics sensation Phil Healy’s absence from the 4x400m relay team in the World Athletics Championships proved to be a blessing in disguise as substitute Sharlene Mawdsley stepped up and led the team to a place in Sunday’s final. Healy had been expected to run in the heats, but an injury forced her to withdraw. In her place, Mawdsley, who has impressed in Ireland’s 4x400m team in recent years, was promoted to the starting lineup. And the 24-year-old from Waterford didn’t disappoint. Mawdsley ran a stunning opening leg, clocking a blistering 51.29 seconds. Her performance gave Ireland an early lead, which they held onto throughout the race. Mawdsley’s teammates, Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, and Louise Shanahan, all ran strong legs to maintain their advantage. Ireland finished first in their heat in a time of 3:24.81, comfortably ahead of Great Britain and China. Their performance not only secured a place in the final but also set a new Irish record for the 4x400m relay. The previous record, set in 2005, stood at 3:27.45. Mawdsley’s inclusion in the team has proved to be a masterstroke. The former 400m hurdler has seamlessly transitioned into the flat event and is now a vital member of Ireland’s relay squad. Ireland will face stiff competition in the final, with the likes of the United States, Jamaica, and the Netherlands all expected to challenge for medals. However, Mawdsley’s form suggests that Ireland has a real chance of making the podium. The 4x400m women’s final will take place on Sunday at 10:50 pm Irish time.Sharlene Mawdsley Leads Ireland to World Final

Sharlene Mawdsley Leads Ireland to World Final

Irish athlete Sharlene Mawdsley played a pivotal role in leading the Irish 4x400m relay team to the world final. As a substitute, Mawdsley stepped up and delivered a strong performance alongside her teammates.

Positive Coverage from Media Outlets

The team’s success has been widely reported by various media outlets, including the Irish Examiner, RTE.es, European Athletics, LMFM, and the Irish Times. These outlets have highlighted Mawdsley’s significant contribution and the team’s determination.

Praise for Mawdsley’s Performance

The Irish Times commended Mawdsley’s unwavering spirit and her ability to prove that there are no limits when it comes to achieving success. Her performance has inspired hope and enthusiasm in the Irish team and their supporters.

Mixed Results for Irish Competitors

While Mawdsley and the 4x400m team have achieved success, other Irish competitors have faced mixed results in Rome. Despite setbacks, the team remains optimistic and holds high hopes for another medal on the final day of competition.Irish 4x400m relay team stuns field to reach world final Mark English, Cathal Crosbie, Sarah Healy, and Chris O’Donnell secured an unlikely place in the mixed 4x400m relay final after Chris Mawdsley delivered a superb final leg to help Ireland finish second in their heat on Saturday. The decision to rest Phil Healy paid off as the Irish team, who had the fifth-fastest qualifying time out of 16 teams, came home behind only the Dominican Republic to book an automatic berth in Sunday’s final. Mawdsley, a late call-up to the squad, made up almost 30 metres on his final lap to help Ireland finish in 3:13.88, behind the Dominican Republic (3:11.82) with Great Britain and the Netherlands also qualifying from the heat. The quartet ran a brave race and made the final look a realistic target as they held their own with some of the world’s top nations in Oregon. First up was English, who came through strongly on the outside to hand over to Crosbie in sixth place, trailing the leaders by almost three seconds. Crosbie closed the gap on his lap before Healy produced a storming run to leave Ireland in a podium position. However, she was passed by Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek as they entered the final lap but Mawdsley stormed past the Polish runner on the back straight and powered down the final bend to leave the Irish team in second place. While it was a superb run by Mawdsley, Healy was perhaps unlucky not to have been called into the decisive leg as she recorded the fastest lap time of the Irish team, clocking 49.94, while Mawdsley ran his in 49.95. Jamie Webb also competed on Saturday in the 800m heats but failed to progress after finishing eighth in his race. The Waterford man clocked 1:47.35 and will now turn his attention to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next month. Meanwhile, Luke McCann ended his World Championships debut in the 1,500m heats after finishing ninth in his race on Saturday evening.