Donegal sprinter Kelly McGrory helped Ireland reached the final of the women’s 4 x 400 metres relay at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Ireland finished 5th in their semi-final heat – but were upgraded to fourth shortly afterwards, following the United States (who were 2nd) disqualification for an illegal baton change.
Tir Chonaill AC athlete McGrory, who was initally the travelling reserve for the team, got called up following Rhasidat Adeleke’s withdrawal from the relay.
“I am speechless!”
“I love this team through and through – this is insane!”
They’ve done it! The Irish Women’s 4x400m team have QUALIFIED for tomorrow’s final.
☘️☘️☘️#TeamIreland #WorldAthleticsChamps #Athletics #Budapest2023 #Ireland@irishathletics @WillDalton01 pic.twitter.com/JKthCbzCtp
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 26, 2023
While that appeared to weaken the team’s overall chances of progressing, the quartet of McGrory, Sharlene Mawdsley, Róisín Harrison and Sophie Becker and produced a superb run in a season’s best time of 3:26.18 to secure their place in Sunday night’s final.
McGrory ran the third leg of the relay in 52.45 seconds.
The final is scheduled to take place at 8:50pm (Irish time) and it will be broadcast live on Virgin Media 2. television.
