Olympic Sprinter Mourns Sudden Loss of Beloved Father Just Days After Season’s Best

Olympian Sharlene Mawdsley has announced the heartbreaking news of her father Thomas (Tucker) Mawdsley's passing, just days after achieving a season's best at an international athletics event in the United States.

The 26-year-old athlete, who hails from Newport, Co Tipperary, shared the devastating news with her followers on social media, expressing her deep grief and gratitude for the support she has received.

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Thomas Mawdsley, aged 67, passed away on Tuesday, only two days after Sharlene competed in the third edition of Grand Slam Track in Philadelphia on Sunday.

The Olympic sprinter had just clocked a season’s best time of 51.12 seconds in the long sprints category, earning her a sixth-place finish and a $15,000 prize.

“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,” Sharlene wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post.

“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,” she continued.

“I would please ask the media in particular, for privacy and understanding at this time.”

Mr Mawdsley’s remains will repose at Meehan’s Funeral Home in Newport, County Tipperary, this Friday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, followed by removal to the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer.

His funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday at 11.30am, with burial afterward in Rockvale Cemetery.

In a message of condolence posted on RIP.ie, Athletics Ireland CEO Hamish Adams paid tribute to the Mawdsley family and extended his support to the grieving Olympian.

“On behalf of all the Athletics Ireland family I express our sincere condolences to the Mawdsley family. Sharlene, we are here to support you during this difficult period and our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Friends and members of the local community have also been sharing their memories of Mr Mawdsley, who was known for his dedicated support of his children’s sporting journeys.

One tribute read:“We had great chats over the years at soccer matches, when he was following Keith's exploits on the pitch and also over the last number of years I would meet him at Athletics Events, following his Daughter Sharlene all over the Country and Internationally. May he rest in peace.”

Earlier this year, Sharlene represented Ireland at the World Relays in Guangzhou, China, where she competed in the mixed 4x400m relay alongside teammates Conor Kelly, Rhasidat Adeleke, and Cillín Greene.

The quartet finished second in their heat, securing Ireland a coveted place in the upcoming World Athletics Championships.

Sharlene’s competitive streak has been consistently impressive, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay during the Olympic Games in Paris last year.

Off the track, Mawdsley has recently been seen with new boyfriend and Tipperary hurler Michael Breen (30), from Ballina.