THERE were mixed emotions for Sharlene Mawdsley as she got to grips with just missing out on qualifying for Wednesday’s 400m semi-final.
The Tipperary woman set off at a strong pace in Monday morning’s heat, and looked set to take third spot – only to be pipped at the last by old friend Susanne Gogl-Walli, the pair having tangled in the semi-final of last year’s world indoor championships, resulting in Mawdsley’s disqualification.
Yet, despite now going into Tuesday’s repechage alongside Irish team-mate Sophie Becker, the 25-year-old set a personal best at Stade de France, and admitted she was proud of her run.
“It was hard because I was telling myself I had it.
“It’s bittersweet… you run a PB, it’s the standard for next year’s worlds – and you don’t make the semi-final. But no, I’m happy. I think I really committed to it. I haven’t done that really this year; I’m actually really proud of myself for that performance.
“Had I been in a different heat I would have qualified automatically, which is a bit annoying. But we all know I love running so I have another round tomorrow to try and get into the semi.
“That stadium is class and the support is amazing. So I’m gonna go out and hopefully do exactly what I did today, tomorrow, a little faster, and that should see me through. That would be the dream of this Olympics.”
As for losing out to Gogl-Walli, Mawdsley insists any beef is long buried.
“We made peace afterwards. I congratulated her and I said well done, and she thanked me so I think that’s water under the bridge now…”
Becker was left frustrated too after finishing sixth in her heat.
“I was hoping for a good bit faster than that,” said the Wexford woman.
“To make a semi, or run a PB, or both, is obviously what I would like to do. It’s disappointing, I’m happy with my first 250, I ran that really well, put myself in the mix, then I was probably overthinking about going with them.
“On reflection I probably should have just gone with them and if I blow up, I blow up. I was a bit reserved I think – it’s definitely a learning curve.”
