By Daniel Noble
BANGOR sprinter Rachel McCann has helped the Irish women’s 4x400m relay team qualify for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
Competing at the World Athletics Relay Championships in Gaborone, Botswana, McCann and her teammates, Sophie Becker, Arlene Crossan and Sharlene Mawdsley, recorded a season’s best of 3:23.83.
That time was enough to beat fierce opponents in France and Jamaica, as the Ireland team progressed through their section and booked a place in China next year.
Mawdsley produced the star performance for the ladies in green, clocking a stunning 48.34 in the final leg to bring them home, while Becker and Crossan impressed in the middle section.
However, McCann was tasked with providing the platform from which the team could make their move, starting the race in an unfamiliar opening leg.
The 24-year-old is used to running the third leg, building upon the start made by her colleagues, but this time, she had to ensure her teammates stood the best chance of competing.
However, North Down AC’s McCann produced arguably her best showing to date, setting a personal best of 52.35, before passing the baton to Becker.
It was a day to remember for the Sullivan Upper School alumnus, who has been representing Ireland since 2017, and she was sure to highlight how much it means to her.
“I’m proud, not only to represent Ireland, but also succeed. Myself and the people around me have put so much into it and now the hard work is paying off. I just want to do everyone proud,” she said.
“I’m also super proud of our team. All four of us surprised ourselves, running faster than we ever have, even faster than our European Championship qualifying time, so it’s a real confidence boost for the worlds.
“The pressure is off our backs and it’s a nice relief to know our place is secure for Beijing next year. There’s only four spots left and without winning in Botswana, we would have had to qualify based on fastest times.”
Becker and Mawdsley boast World Championship experience already, having competed in 2024, and McCann is grateful for the opportunity to learn from them.
“Sophie and Sharlene are so experienced and it’s great for me and Arlene to listen to them and learn from what they have to teach us,” McCann explained.
The World Championships will not be held until September of next year and while McCann has outlined her goals for Beijing, she has other important events to focus on in the near future.
“Beijing feels a long time away, but it will soon come around, and we know what we need to do. My hopes are to make the final, push on as best we can and strengthen the depth of the women’s team.
“For now, I’ll be concentrating on Belfast, competing with Northern Ireland for a place at the Commonwealth Games. I’ll also be competing individually and aiming for another new PB.”
McCann will stake her claim for a place at this summer’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games at the Mary Peters Track this weekend.
