Kathy Donaghy: Our fearless new generation of athletics heroes shows that nothing is impossible

Silver medallist Rhasidat Adeleke celebrates with mother Adewumi. Photo: Sportsfile

Kathy Donaghy

Every child who puts on a pair of running spikes has a whole new set of heroes to chase following the amazing success of Irish athletes at the European Championships in Rome. Sharlene Mawdsley, Chris O’Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and, of course, Ciara Mageean have been elevated to the status of superstars after their bold and brave medal- winning performances on the track.

But heroes are rarely born; they’re made through adversity, setbacks and hard work. This is what makes the truly great ones worth following, because their successes have been fired in the kiln of grit and graft.