The Irish team agonisingly missed out on a medal.
There was heartbreak for Ireland’s 4x400m relay team finishing fourth in the Olympic final.
There was a three-way battle for bronze as America’s star-studded team streaked clear but Ireland were ultimately edged out of the medals by Great Britain and the Netherlands.
Still, it was a highly creditable performance from the Irish quartet of Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, Phil Healy and Sharlene Mawdsley, running their fastest ever time to break the national record by three seconds.
Tipperary runner Sharlene Mawdsley battled gamely against two of the fastest 400m runners in the world in Amber Anning (GB) and Femke Bol (Netherlands) but was narrowly beaten into fourth with 0.18 seconds separating them and third place finishers Great Britain.
Speaking with David Gillick after the race, the Irish team spoke emotionally about the pride they felt in their performance and the disappointment over the result.
“I just wish I could have done it for the girls,” said Mawdsley.
“If you’d told me only a couple of days ago we’d have finished fourth, I’d have have been elated but when you’re out on that last leg, it feels like it’s your fault,” said Mawdsley.
“I know I ran the best I could and when Amber Anning came up on me, and I’m aware Femke is behind me. It’s a hard leg, I’m pretty devastated. I wish I could have done it for the girls, especially Rhasidat yesterday.
“It’s just heartbreaking. But a national record was my aim in the meeting today. I can’t ask for much more I guess.”
“When I got the baton, I knew I was in such a good position,” she said.
“I’m devastated. You know, I did my best to see what I could do. And the girls put me in such an amazing position. I’m devastated that I couldn’t hold on and get us that medal. But you never know in the future. The future of Irish sprinting is bright. I just wish I could have done it for the girls, especially Rhasidat after yesterday.”
Ireland’s four runners recorded impressive splits with Adeleke the fastest on the second leg in 48.92. Sharlene Mawdsley also ran a storming 49.14 with Phil Healy’s 50.94 and Sophie Becker 50.90 also brilliant. It was Adeleke’s second fourth placed finish in 24 hours having finished one place outside of the medals in the individual final on Friday night.
“For us to be here in Olympic final, we’re breaking so many barriers,” said Adeleke.
“We’ve elevated as a team. We’ve all helped each other get to this point. We believed in each other. We trusted each other. We put our best performance on the track for each other and that’s all we can ask for us as a team. I’m so proud of them, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
