Ciara Mageean and Rhasidat Adeleke Named Joint-Athlete of the Year Winners, Mark Carroll Inducted into Irish Athletics Hall of Fame
In a stunning turn of events at the National Athletics Awards, it was revealed that Ciara Mageean and Rhasidat Adeleke have been crowned joint-Athlete of the Year winners. The announcement came as a result of their incredible performances throughout the season, which included impressive fourth-place finishes at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Both athletes also broke numerous national records in their respective events.
Mageean, who claimed the Track Athlete of the Year Award, achieved outstanding national records in the 800m (1:59.27), 1000m (2:31.06), 1500m (3:55.87), and the Mile (4:14.58). She narrowly edged out Sharlene Mawdsley, Sarah Lavin, and Andrew Coscoran, who also had exceptional years as record-breakers.
On the other hand, Adeleke, the 2023 NCAA 400m champion, solidified her place as the U23 athlete of the year. Her impressive list of achievements includes Irish national records in the 60m (7.17), 200m (22.34), 300m (36.87), and 400m (49.20). She outshone Sarah Healy, Sophie O’Sullivan, and Nicola Tuthill to claim the prestigious award.
In addition to the joint-Athlete of the Year winners, the ceremony also celebrated the induction of Mark Carroll into the Irish Athletics Hall of Fame. Carroll’s illustrious career includes winning the European Junior Men’s 5,000m title in 1991 and securing a bronze medal in the 5,000m at the European Championships in Budapest in 1998. He also clinched a gold medal in the 3,000m at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2000. To this day, his Irish 3,000m record of 7:30.36 remains unbroken.
The award winners were announced during the National Athletics Awards ceremony, which recognized the outstanding achievements of athletes and contributors to the Irish athletics community. The complete list of winners showcases the breadth of talent and dedication within the sport.
As the recipients bask in the honor of being named Athlete of the Year winners, they join the ranks of the most celebrated athletes in Ireland. Furthermore, Mark Carroll’s induction into the Hall of Fame cements his legacy as a truly iconic figure in Irish athletics.
With such incredible performances and achievements from these exceptional athletes, the future of Irish athletics looks bright. Their hard work, perseverance, and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.
The National Athletics Awards not only celebrate the accomplishments of individual athletes but also recognize the tireless efforts of coaches, officials, and clubs that contribute to the success of the sport. It is through their collective efforts that Irish athletics continues to thrive and produce world-class talent.
The evening was a true testament to the power of athletics in bringing communities together and fostering a spirit of healthy competition. As we celebrate the joint-Athlete of the Year winners and the new inductee into the Hall of Fame, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of Irish athletes and their impact on the sporting world.
Irish athletics can now look forward to the coming year with anticipation, as these remarkable athletes continue to make their mark on the global stage. The achievements of Ciara Mageean, Rhasidat Adeleke, and Mark Carroll serve as a reminder of the incredible talent and potential that resides within the Irish athletics community.
