Ireland medallists at the European athletics Championships are all set to battle it out at this weekend’s 123.ie national championship.
However, Ciara Mageean has decided to skip the championships as she aims for the Olympic Games.
“After careful consideration and consultation with my coaches and support team; I have decided to withdraw from the upcoming national athletics championships”. Mageean explained in a statement through Athletics Ireland.
“This decision was not made lightly, but it is crucial to prioritize my recovery at this time” added Mageean.
“Following the European Championships, where I experienced the brilliant high of winning gold, I have been dealing with fatigue and have not recovered fully”.
“At this time, I need to focus on getting back to full health to ensure I can put in the hard training sessions necessary to compete with the best in the world”.
While Mageean’s absence will be missed; the home crowd will still get to see both the mixed and women’s 4x400m relay team in action.
Rhasidat Adeleke (100m), Thomas Barr (400mH), Christopher O’Donnell (400m), Sharlene Mawdsley (200m), Sophie Becker (400m), Phil Healy (200m & 400m) are all entered.
Women's 200 metre final set to star on Saturday
Saturday will see the women’s 200m final scheduled for 2.25pm. Sharlene Mawdsley (Newport AC) and Phil Healy (Bandon AC) should be in the decider.
Whereas, Adeyemi Talabi (Longford AC), Aoife Lynch (Donore Harriers) and Molly Hourihan (UCD) will also be challenging for podium positions.
The longest consecutive running national senior track championships in the world promises to deliver a superb weekend of athletics action with many of Ireland’s leading athletes set to take their place in front of the largest crowd in recent years.
The two days of action gets underway from 11am on Saturday, with day two getting underway on Sunday from 10am. The longest consecutive running national senior track championships in the world promises to deliver a superb weekend of athletics.
