Team Ireland signed off the European Athletics Indoor Championships in style today, with both Sarah Lavin (6th in 60m hurdles) and the women’s 4x400m team (5th) securing top-six-placings on the final day of Istanbul 2023 (March 5th).
Sarah Lavin (Emerald AC) finished 6th in the 60m hurdles final. Running from lane 8, Lavin crossed in a time of 8.03, maintaining her position as one of Ireland’s most consistent performers at major international championships.
Sunday ranked as her third major final appearance in the last 12 months, following on from the World indoor final last March, and her 5th place finish at the European outdoor championships in Munich.
It's 6th in Europe for one of Ireland's most consistent performers👏 Sarah Lavin knows how to progress through the rounds and a big outdoor season is on the horizon🇮🇪💪 That's THREE major finals in the last 12 months🤩
⏱️8.03
Result: https://t.co/XZVSYC2CeG#Istanbul2023 pic.twitter.com/byn0faeu09— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) March 5, 2023
The Emerald AC athlete will now look to transition her indoor form, which included her running the fastest 60m hurdles of her life, to outdoors with the World Championships in Budapest in August the key target.
Sunday’s 60m hurdles podium positions were filled by Reetta Hurske (FIN) 7.79 NR, Nadine Visser (NED) 7.84 SB, and Ditaji Kambundji (SUI) 7.91.
The Irish 4x400m relay team of Sophie Becker, Sharlene Mawdsley, Cliodhna Manning, and Phil Healy led out team Ireland in this evening’s session, finishing fifth in the 4x400m final in a time of 3:32.61.
Sophie Becker (53.70) exploded from the blocks to claim a great position at the break but was hampered throughout the final 200m which would see her reach the 400m changeover in 5th place.
Sharlene Mawdsley (51.15) ran a superb leg to pick up a place before handing over to Cliodhna Manning (54.39) who also rallied to regain a position lost in her first 200m.
Phil Healy (53.37) battled bravely to bring the Irish team home ahead of team GB with a dipped finish on the line.
The team were roared on by their relay teammates Miriam Daly and Niamh Murray who also played an important role in preparations for today’s final.
The medals would ultimately go the way of Netherlands 3:25.66 CR, Italy 3:28.61 NR, and Poland 3:29.31.
Today rounds out another hugely encouraging championships for team Ireland with six top-ten placings secured, including three in the top six.
Full results HERE.
