Sophie Becker produced an explosive first leg as the Irish women’s 4x400m relay team just missed out on the final at the World Athletics Relay.
The team will get a second chance to qualify for this summer’s World Championships in tomorrow’s second round after finishing third in the third heat.
Becker had a strong return the track, handing over in first position on the opening leg, running an impressive 51.04 split in what is her first outing of the 2025 season. Becker’s first appearance since the Olympic Games last year.
Lauren Cadden and Rachel McCann took on the second and third legs respectively, but a 48.50 split from Germany’s Mona Myers on the third leg, left the Irish in third position handing over to Phil Healy on the final leg.
Healy made a strong effort on the back straight but was unable to get Ireland into the top two positions, which guaranteed Worlds qualification.
The heat was won by South Africa in a new national record of 3:28.01, with the German squad taking the second championship qualifying slot. Ireland posted 3:30.06.
The Irish women will face Belgium and Poland in their second round at 12:24 Irish time on Sunday. The top three in each race will make it to the final and secure World Championship qualification.
The very best of luck to Sophie and the entire Irish team.
