Sharlene Mawdsley surge not enough on disappointing day for Ireland at World Relays

Molly Daly made history in the 4x400m relay. Her participation marked the first time ever that three generations of the same family have been capped for Ireland

Ireland's Sophie Becker and Sharlene Mawdsley at the World Relays in Botswana. Pic: ©INPHO

There was disappointment for the Irish on day one of the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana as all three teams came up short of reaching their respective finals and securing qualification for next year’s World Championships.

A blazing final leg of 49.09 seconds from Sharlene Mawdsley wasn’t enough to help the mixed 4x400m team into Sunday’s final, the Irish finishing fourth in round one in a swift 3:12.05 – a race won by the US in 3:09.82 ahead of Spain (3:09.89) and Australia (3:10.57).