SHARLENE MAWDSLEY MAKES ‘LAST MINUTE DECISION’ TO RETURN TO TRACK AFTER FATHER’S PASSING

Sharlene Mawdsley has announced her ‘last minute’ return to the track just weeks after the passing of her father.

The Irish Olympian announced the passing of her father Thomas, lovingly referred to as ‘Tucker,’ earlier this month, with fans of her expecting to take some time off following her bereavement.

However, Sharlene’s confirmed that she’ll be lacing up her runners once again this weekend when she heads to the European Team Championships — in what she called ‘a last minute decision.’

‘Happy Olympic day,’ Sharlene wrote on her Instagram alongside a pic of her in her running gear. ‘A last minute decision but I’m stepping into the Irish kit again this weekend for the European team championships.’

Sharlene’s return to the track was welcomed with open arms, with Muireann O’Connell commenting ‘well done Charlene. We’re all thinking of you.’

‘Everyone is behind you xxx,’ another wrote, while another commented on Sharlene’s post ‘resilience and strength. Big hugs, go smash it.’

Sharlene confirmed her father’s passing in a heartbreaking tribute on June 6, after he passed away on June 3. Taking to her Instagram story, she wrote ‘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.’

Mr Mawdsley’s death notice reads that he is ‘sadly missed and forever loved by his loving partner Louise, mother Sally, sons, daughters, grandchildren, siblings and his extended family and wide circle of friends.’

His passing came just days after Sharlene’s competition in Philadelphia, where she achieved her season best in Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam track. She came sixth in the 400m sprint, with a time of 51.12 seconds.