President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Simon Harris honoured the mixed 4x400m relay team for their golden victory at the European Athletic Championships in Rome. The team, composed of Thomas Barr, Rhasidat Adeleke, Chris O’Donnell and Sharlene Mawdsley, were commended for their outstanding performance.
President Higgins, in a message on X, applauded the team for their noteworthy accomplishment of securing a gold medal at the European Athletic Championships. The time clocked by the Irish group was 3:09.92. The athletes share their success with Sonia O’Sullivan, a Cobh, Co Cork-born runner, making them the only gold medalists for Ireland in the 90-year tenure of this championship.
The members of the triumphant team hail from different Irish cities, including Sligo (Chris O’Donnell), Dublin (Rhasidat Adeleke), Waterford (Thomas Barr), and Tipperary (Sharlene Mawdsley). The team’s triumphant run saw them outrun Italy and the Netherlands.
Taoiseach Simon Harris, in his message on X, eulogized the team for their fantastic accomplishment, acknowledging it as a historical event for the nation. He reiterated that it was a remarkable day to remember for Ireland.
In her message on X, Minister for Sport Catherine Martin celebrated the relay team’s recognition on the global platform. She posted, “A brilliant kick-off to the European Championships 2024. Comhgairdeas to Chris O’Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Tom Barr, and Sharlene Mawdsley.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin, in his X post, extolled the victory as a groundbreaking achievement. Athletics Ireland, via their X post, praised the team for their European gold. The official X account of Team Ireland, run by the Olympic Federation of Ireland, also conveyed their hearty congratulations to the team.
In a recent discussion with Athletics Weekly, 26-year-old Chris O’Donnell revealed the unique paths they’ve all travelled in the sport since their childhood. He expressed his extraordinary joy over the victory, terming it as something surpassing his grandest expectations.
He stated, “It’s simply surreal being in company of these individuals. We will certainly absorb the joy from this rare occasion.”
He extended his gratitude towards the numerous spectators who showed up at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
He said, “It is truly amazing. It was a pleasure to share this spectacular moment with them.”
Thomas Barr, 31 years old, who began his adventure in the European Championships in 2012, disclosed it was indeed a phenomenal victory for him.
“The number of times medals are awarded is rare. I am aware that my career is drawing close to its conclusion whereas these chaps are just embarking on theirs.”
21-year-old Ms Adeleke pointed out that they all brought their stellar performances to the European Championships.
“My belief always stood that we had a chance. We all have been performing brilliantly. I had the confidence that we would succeed.”
Finally, 25-year-old Ms Mawdsley affirmed that she was immensely proud of her team’s achievement because the competition was as fierce as it would be in an Olympic final.
“I felt an unstoppable force within me when the entire stadium was cheering for me at the end. I couldn’t be prouder.”