Sharlene Mawdsley says late father is 'looking down on me' as she returns to track
Sharlene Mawdsley has paid tribute to her late father, revealing 'I know he is looking down on me,' after she returned to the race track this weekend.
The Olympian's father, Thomas 'Tucker' Mawdsley died on Tuesday, June 3, with Sharlene taking to social media to confirm the devastating news.
Last week, the 26-year-old announced her 'last minute' return to the track, as she got set for the European Team Championships. Sharlene Mawdsley has paid tribute to her late father, revealing 'I know he is looking down on me,' after she returned to the race track this weekend. Pic: X/ Athletics Ireland
Sharing a picture of herself in her Irish kit, Sharlene shared: 'A last minute decision but I'm stepping into the Irish kit again this weekend for the European team championships.'
The championships took place in Slovenia with Sharlene not only placing third in the Women's 400m but clocking a season best time at the same time.
Speaking after her spectacular return to the track, the Tipperary native admitted she had to get back racing eventually or her father 'would probably haunt me.'
🗣️ 'A season's best is great…I'm looking forward to cheering on the rest of the team now.'
Hear from Sharlene Mawdsley after she clocked a season's best of 50.93 to finish third in the Women's 400m at the European Team Championships 🤩#IrishAthletics #Maribor2025 #ETCH2025 pic.twitter.com/aTwU5ffiju — Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) June 28, 2025
She said: 'I wasn't doing Team Championships. The lane then became available and I thought maybe that's a sign.'
The runner added that getting a season's best was a 'nice boost' for the rest of the season.
'Now I know he is looking down on me,' she said of her father.
She said: 'He got me through that race so I'm sure it is going to be an upward trajectory for the rest of the season.'
Confirming the death of her father earlier in the month, Sharlene took to social media, writing: 'I am devastated to say that my Dad has passed away. I have no words right now to truly capture how I feel. I will forever love and miss him so much.
'I would like to thank everyone who has been so kind and supportive at this time, from the emergency services to our great neighbours and wider community, and so many friends.'
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