Athletics Ireland confirm Olympic team ahead of Paris medal charge

With 17 individuals, and two relay teams, there is every chance of Ireland claiming a first Olympic medal on the track since Sonia O’Sullivan’s silver at Sydney 2000. Today’s selections brings to 122 the total number of athletes officially announced on Team Ireland, surpassing the previous largest team (116).

Marathon runner Fionnuala McCormack will make history by becoming the first Irish woman to compete in five Olympic Games, competing in the marathon on August 11, which takes in some of the famous Parisian landmarks, including the Chateau de Versailles, the Grand Palais and the Hotel de Ville.

The track and field events take place in the Stade de France where Rhasidat Adeleke, Ciara Mageean and the mixed 4x400m relay look the strongest Irish chances of a medal. Sharlene Mawdsley, who will compete in her first Olympics in the 400m, mixed 4x400m and women’s 4x400m, said it was “a dream come true” to be selected, adding. “I can’t wait to go out to Paris and represent my country on the biggest stage of all.”

Tokyo Olympian Andrew Coscoran said he is “honoured and excited to be selected to represent Ireland at my second Olympic Games” and that he’d do “everything in my power to get the most out of myself.”

Olympic Federation of Ireland Chef de Mission Gavin Noble said: “The athletics events are always some of the most anticipated ones, and this year won’t disappoint. We are excited to select a really strong team, many of whom are coming to the Games as ones to watch. The Stade de France will be buzzing during August, with the track and field events.”

Paul McNamara, Performance Director with Athletics Ireland, said: “It is very exciting to reach this point in our Olympic journey. This is a highly accomplished Irish team, that includes stalwarts of our sport that will lead from the front when taking on the best in the world, and exciting young talent that is focussed on making their mark on the greatest stage of all.”

The Olympic Games in Paris will run from July 24 to August 11, with the Opening Ceremony taking place on July 26.

Ireland Athletics team – Paris 2024

Sarah Lavin (Limerick) 100m Hurdles

Rhasidat Adeleke (Dublin) 400m

Sharlene Mawdsley (Tipperary) 400m

Sophie Becker (Wexford) 400m

Ciara Mageean (Down) 1500m

Sarah Healy (Dublin) 1500m

Sophie O’Sullivan (Cork/Melbourne) 1500m

Jodie McCann (Dublin) 5000m

Fionnuala McCormack (Wicklow) Marathon

Nicola Tuthill (Cork) Hammer Throw

Kate O’Connor (Louth) Heptathlon

Mark English (Donegal) 800m

Andrew Coscoran (Dublin) 1500m

Cathal Doyle (Dublin) 1500m

Luke McCann (Dublin) 1500m

Brian Fay (Dublin) 5000m

Eric Favors (Ballina/New York) Shot Put

Mixed 4 x 400m Relay from:

Rhasidat Adeleke, Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker, Phil Healy (Cork), Lauren Cadden (Sligo), Kelly McGrory (Donegal), Rachel McCann (Down), Chris O’Donnell (Sligo), Thomas Barr (Waterford), Jack Raftery (Dublin).

Non-Travelling Reserves: Cliodhna Manning (Kilkenny), Roisín Harrison (Limerick)

Women’s 4 x 400m Relay from:

Rhasidat Adeleke, Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker, Phil Healy, Lauren Cadden, Kelly McGrory, Rachel McCann.

Non-Travelling Reserves: Cliodhna Manning, Roisín Harrison