Preview: Balmy Brum beckons as Ireland bid for medals
The 27th edition of the European Athletics Championships starts tomorrow and with a big Irish team in action in Birmingham along with plenty of international stars, you won't be stuck for entertainment across the seven days.
Tomorrow marks the commencement of the 27th European Athletics Championships, with an impressive Irish contingent set to grace the Birmingham stage. The 46-strong squad boasts several past medallists, including Kate O'Connor, Mark English, Rhasidat Adeleke, and Sarah Healy. However, Sharlene Mawdsley's withdrawal presents a significant challenge for the women's 4x400m relay team, forcing Sophie Becker to now contend with a single event - the individual 400m, where Ireland previously fielded two athletes in 2024.
Despite the unpredictability of medal predictions, Ireland's exceptional performance in 2024 has heightened expectations for the national team. Adding to the home-town feel, a staggering 12% of event tickets have been snapped up by Irish fans, with the Irish Athletics Supporters Club sending a group of 1,300 supporters to cheer on their athletes.
The balmy weather, with highs reaching 31 degrees, is expected to create perfect conditions for the men's 800m final, potentially threatening the 1:43.84 record set by Olaf Beyer of East Germany in 1978. Ireland's Mark English, in top form, is targeting a potential European medal, aiming to better his three bronze medals from previous championships.
His return to form after missing the finals in the past two global championships has bolstered his confidence. Meanwhile, Cian McPhillips, who finished fourth at the World Championships in 2024, is also a strong contender, having overcome recent challenges to post a season's best of 1:43.97. While international competition looms, both English and McPhillips face formidable opponents like Gabriel Tual of France and Eliot Crestan of Belgium, but their sub-par seasons give Ireland's duo a fighting chance at clinching a European title.
Meanwhile, Kate O'Connor, a podium fixture over the last 18 months, aims to further cement her status as one of Ireland's most successful athletes. The 17-day recovery period following the Commonwealth Games has allowed O'Connor to rebuild her strength, and her fast turnaround will be tested against formidable competition, including pentathlon World Indoor champion Sofie Dokter.
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