Not even a fast-finishing Femke Bol could catch the flying Irish quartet on Friday at the European Championships
Irish eyes were smiling at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday (June 7) when they struck gold in the mixed 4x400m relay.
Not even a fast-finishing Femke Bol from the Netherlands could deny them victory as Sharlene Mawdsley anchored the team home in 3:09.92.
It was Ireland’s first title at the European Championships since Sonia O’Sullivan won the women’s 5000m back in 1998.
Christopher O’Donnell (46.09), Rhasidat Adeleke (49.53) and Thomas Barr (44.90) put Mawdsley (49.40) in a great position on the final stage as she battled with Italy and Belgium.
Bol, meanwhile, had work to do in fourth place as she took the baton around 20 metres adrift.
The Dutch 400m hurdles specialist didn’t make up much ground in the first 200m but then began to inevitably close and, with a 49.21 split, caught Belgium and almost Italy as well, although Ireland remained away and clear.
Sharlene Mawdsley (Getty)
It was their night as a contingent of Irish fans flocked to the edge of the track to roar their approval. Despite the small crowd generally, the Irish supporters plus the host nation being in contention led to a decent atmosphere.
Italy finished runners up in 3:10.69 with Alice Mangione on their anchor, the Netherlands third in 3:10.73 as Bol stayed close to the kerb in the home straight and Britain fourth in 3:13.97 following the disqualification of France.
For Britain Charlie Carvell clocked 45.67, Hannah Kelly 51.48, Lewis Davey 45.62 and Emily Newnham 51.20.
» Subscribe to AW magazine here