Irish sprinter Sharlene Mawdsley injured before European Championships

At the Irish National Senior Track & Field Championships in Dublin, 27‑year‑old Sharlene Mawdsley of Tipperary pulled up with a muscle injury just 80 metres into the women’s 200 m final. The defending champion, who had posted a season‑best 23.50 s to qualify, left the track in tears and was helped off by her partner, All‑Ireland hurler Mikey Breen. Her injury casts doubt on her participation in the upcoming European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

Rhasidat Adeleke won the race in 22.80 s, securing the Irish spot for the European Championships. Mawdsley, despite her disappointment, signed autographs for fans and was praised on social media for her professionalism. She is scheduled for a medical scan on the following Monday.

The incident was highlighted by Athletics Ireland commentators and drew reactions on Twitter, with reporter Greg Allen noting Mawdsley’s “class” despite the setback.