Ireland’s mixed 4x400m relay team delivered one of the most memorable sporting moments in the country’s history last night with an incredible gold medal winning performance.
The national record was obliterated in a time of 3:09.92, with superb individual legs from all four of Ireland’s competitors – Chris O’Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley.
It’s the first time Ireland has claimed gold at the European Athletics Championships since Sonia O’Sullivan did so in 1998.
North Sligo AC’s Chris O’Donnell, who started off the relay final superbly for Ireland, also brings Donegal links to the team.
Chris was a student at Magh Ene College in Bundoran, and won two national schools titles during his time there in 2016 and 2017 while also setting the Ulster schools record in the 400m.
“It’s just not even in our wildest dreams,” Chris told Athletics Ireland after claiming the gold along with Rhasidat, Thomas and Sharlene.
“To create the history is just amazing… we’ve all had our own journeys since we were young, and I don’t know how many of us dreamed to be a European Champion – I don’t think I did.”
“Just to be standing here with these guys is just unbeliveable, and we are really going to enjoy this moment because it doesn’t happen every day!”
“Shout out to the fans in the stadium, once again they turned up in their numbers, it’s incredible, and it was good to share the moment with them.”
