Ireland’s 4x400m relay team of Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, Phil Healy, and Sharlene Mawdsley have won a silver medal at the European Championships in Rome, setting a new national record time of 3:22.71NR.
This achievement marks a historic championships for the Irish team, with the best ever medal haul (4) from an Irish team at a European event. Alongside tonight’s silver, Ciara Mageean (1500m) and the mixed relay team (4x400m) had previously won gold medals, and Rhasidat Adeleke had claimed silver in the 400m.
Under the pressure of their nation’s expectations, the women’s relay team ran a stellar race to secure the silver medal, breaking the old 4x400m record by 1.7 seconds.
The relay started strong with Becker clocking a split of 52.00, and Adeleke running a fast 400m leg (49.36), passing the baton to Healy (51.51) with a narrow lead. Healy then smoothly transitioned to Mawdsley (49.84), who chased down the Netherlands team anchored by Femke Bol.
Mawdsley’s strong final leg almost challenged for the gold, but settled for a well-deserved silver medal for Ireland.
In addition, five Irish athletes competed in the men’s 10,000m, with Efrem Gidey leading the pack and finishing in 12th place with a time of 28:16.94.
The men’s 1500m race was won by reigning champion Jakob Ingebrigsten, with Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran crossing the line in 13th place in 3:34.76.
Results Summary:
· Women’s 4x400m Relay – Final – 2nd in 3:22.71 NR
· Efrem Gidey – Men’s 10,000m – Final – 12th in 28:16.94 (A Race)
· Brian Fay – Men’s 10,000m – Final – 20th in 28:40.53 (A Race)
· Barry Keane – Men’s 10,000m – Final – 21st in 28:53.34 (A Race)
· Peter Lynch – Men’s 10,000m – Final – 22nd in 29:02.00 (A Race)
· Cormac Dalton – Men’s 10,000m – Final – 24th in 29:15.30 SB (A Race)
· Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 1500m – Final – 13th in 3:34.76
· Full results list: HERE
FULL TEAM IRELAND WRAP RELEASE WILL BE ISSUED TOMORROW (JUNE 13TH)
Ireland has now claimed medals at 12 of the 25 previous editions of the European Championships, with this year’s performance in Rome being particularly exceptional.
The list of achievements includes breaking multiple national records, setting many season’s bests and personal bests, and securing a total of 12 medals.
Homecoming – Thursday June 13th
The Irish team will be arriving back in Dublin on several flights over the next 24 hours. The first flight is expected at 9.45am, with subsequent flights including team members like Sophie Becker and Phil Healy.
Ciara Mageean, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr, and Chris O’Donnell are headed to destinations outside of Ireland and will not be returning to Dublin Airport.
