Mawdsley wins on home soil

By Thomas Conway

Newport athlete Sharlene Mawdsley produced another dominant performance on home soil to take victory in the 400 metres at the annual Morton Games in Santry on Friday evening.

The 26 year-old, who will turn 27 on August 10th, cruised home in a time of 51.61s, almost half a second clear of her next nearest challenger, Lisanne De Witte of the Netherlands (52.07).

This was the second event the Olympian has featured in since the untimely death of her father, Thomas ‘Tucker’ Mawdsley, last month. She returned to action at the end of June, having made a last-minute decision to compete at the European Team Championships in Slovenia.

Speaking trackside after her race on a sun-soaked evening, a beaming Mawdsley expressed satisfaction with her display, paying tribute to the atmosphere and to the support directed at her from the crowd in attendance.

“It was a very special night,” she said.

“I’m just really glad I held on for the win. It was a tough race but yeah, I’m absolutely thrilled. The love I had today was something so special. I’ll remember that forever.”

A crowd of over 3,500 people turned out to see Mawdsley, and the likes Andrew Coscoran, Nick Griggs, and a host of other big names perform in the event, which is a recognised international meet, and forms part of the World Athletics Continental Tour.

The size of the crowd in Santry was yet more evidence of the growing popularity of athletics nationwide. The presence of Olympians such as Mawdsley elevates the status of the event, and indeed the calibre of the running. Her time of 51.61s was a meet record for the Morton Games.

Mobbed by fans, and clad in pink, Mawdsley indicated that she has every intention of competing in the National Championships, set to be staged at the same venue on August 2nd & 3rd.

“It’s just one race at a time right now, but I’ll definitely be here for Nationals. I’m excited for that,” she said.

Having withdrawn from last year’s Nationals at late notice due to an injury concern, Mawdsley will be among the favourites to take the 400 metre title. Her attention will then shift to the World Championships in Tokyo, scheduled to run from September 13th to 21st.