Frustrating fifth for mixed 4x400 team but Lavin scorches into semi-final 

Mawdsley's miraculous last leg not enough to rescue teammates Conor Kelly, Phil Healy and Marcus Lawler as hosts Netherlands take gold 

SOARING HOME: Ireland’s Sarah Lavin on her way to winning her Women's 60m Hurdles heat at the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships, Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

There was frustration for the Irish mixed 4x400m relay team of Conor Kelly, Phil Healy, Marcus Lawler and Sharlene Mawdlsey at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, tonight, finishing fifth in the final in 3:17.63, a race won by the Netherlands in 3:15.63.

They were led off by 17-year-old Conor Kelly who showed his inexperience at this level, having to check his stride on several occasions and losing vital metres. He handed over to Phil Healy, who ran a strong 300m but tied up thereafter, leaving Marcus Lawler with lots to do. The Carlow man ran a swift opening lap and hauled Ireland up to fifth but was then passed and gave the baton to Mawdsley several metres behind the fifth-placed team.