Sean Doggett of Athenry AC became the youngest ever athlete to compete in a senior European Championships last Monday, June 10.
The 17-year-old was part of a 4 by 400m relay team which came fifth in their heat, narrowly missing out on qualification to the final. Doggett was joined on the team by Jack Raftery, Chris O'Donnell and Callum Baird.
A gritty run by the quartet put Ireland in contention, spearheaded by the mixed relay gold medallist O'Donnell who ran second. He then offloaded the baton to Doggett who executed an impressive race to keep Ireland in the running.
Baird clinched fifth place overall with his anchor leg, meaning that the team would face an anxious wait to see whether or not they had qualified. As they were outside the top three and automatic qualification places, Doggett and his teammates were reliant on slower times in the other heat. It was not to be however.
To be involved in the action in the first place was an incredible feat for the Galway schoolboy, taking the place of Joe Doody and experienced campaigner Thomas Barr - who also tasted Gold in the 4 by 400m mixed relay.
Doggett's European introduction comes amidst a week of positivity for Irish athletes at the Championships. Gold medals have been won by the mixed relay team and Ciara Mageean in the 1500m, while Rhasidat Adeleke won silver in the 400m.
The Athenry man has risen rapidly to prominence since his 46.71s run at the IAAF Belfast Track meet last month.
Furthermore, Doggett can add his most recent accomplishment to a list which includes indoor and outdoor 800m national titles, u18 400m national titles, an u19 400m indoor national title and inclusions on two u20 4 x 400m Ireland teams.
This is even more incredible considering Doggett's first 400m race was in June 2023.
Doggett is coached by his father Stephen Doggett, Iain Shaw from Athenry AC and Jim Phelan of South Galway AC.
