Mawdsley signs up with Nike

By Thomas Conway

Sharlene Mawdsley has signed a professional contract with global sportswear giant Nike, in a move that augurs well for both the Newport athlete and for Irish athletics.

The 27 year-old made the announcement on social media late last week. The timing is hardly a coincidence. The landmark deal comes in the middle of what is turning out to be a remarkable 2026 season for the 400 metre specialist, who has slashed her own personal best on four separate occasions over the past few months, most recently during her debut Diamond League appearance in Paris last Sunday week, where she whittled her time down to 50.06s.

Back in May, the Tipperary woman had scorched her way to two 400m PBs inside three days, first in Italy and then in Brussels, before lowering her time further at an event in the Netherlands some weeks ago, where she fell just short of a significant win. Prior to all that, Mawdsley had lit up the track with a phenomenal anchor leg performance at the World Relay Championships in Botswana which drew national and international attention.

News of this deal comes just six weeks before the start of August’s European Championships in Birmingham, where Mawdsley will be one of a number of Irish medal hopefuls. Two years ago in Rome, the Tipperary woman was part of both the mixed 4x400 metre relay team which won gold and that women’s 4x400 outfit that secured silver.

This year, however, Mawdsley’s form suggests she may be in contention for individual honours. Currently placed fifth in the European rankings for this year, she is now competing alongside some of the best 400m runners in the business and the high-level exposure which the Diamond League offers will only augment her confidence and form.

Mawdsley returns to action in Madrid on July 16th and hopes to take part in the Diamond League meeting in London’s Olympic Stadium three days later before taking part at the National Track & Field Championships in Morton Stadium, Santry the following weekend.

Mawdsley will turn 28 on the opening day of the Europeans, which takes place in Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium from August 10th to 15th. Alongside heptathlete Kate O’Connor, she has become the face of Irish athletics. This Nike deal will almost certainly open more doors for her.