Blistering anchor from Mawdsley puts 'speechless' Ireland into relay final

Mawdsley’s anchor was the fastest of all final leg athletes in tonight's second heat

The Irish women’s 4x400m team of Sophie Becker, Kelly McGrory, Roisin Harrison and Sharlene Mawdsley celebrate qualifying for tomorrow night’s final

Few expected this, but for Sophie Becker, Roisin Harrison, Kelly McGrory and Sharlene Mawdsley, that made this shock result all the sweeter. Without the services of individual star Rhasidat Adeleke, the Irish women’s 4x400m team pulled off a massive upset to reach the world final in Budapest, clocking 3:26.18 to finish fourth in their heat and advance on time.

The race was won by the British quartet in 3:23.33, with Belgium and Italy just behind, Ireland crossing the line in fifth before being upgraded to fourth, with USA disqualified having broken the changeover zone during a baton exchange.