BY RYAN FERRY
ARLENE Crossan says she’s excited for the summer ahead after she helped the Irish women’s 4×400 metres relay team qualify for the 2027 World Championships in Botswana last weekend.
It was a significant milestone in the Finn Valley AC star’s career as she ran the third leg to help the team including Rachel McCann, Sophie Becker and Sharlene Mawdsley to win the repechage round at the World Relays.
Crossan’s 51.30-second split has given her huge cause for optimism and the 27-year-old is eyeing up more progress.
“I feel so positive about how the year has gone,” said the Letterkenny native.
“My flat speed has come down a lot as we saw at the weekend so that’s exciting for the year ahead.
“I open up my individual campaign now on May 23 in Belgium in the 400 metres hurdles.
“There are European Championships in Birmingham at the start of August and I will be pushing for the 400 metres hurdles this year and then I want to be part of the 4×400 relay team as well.
“Nothing will change really. It’s back to training and being consistent and trusting my coach Shauna Carlin and trusting myself and trying to stay fit and healthy but I’m excited for what the summer will bring now.”
Crossan showed real promise as a teenager and reached the 400 metres final at the European U18
Championships in Georgia.
However, injuries have been a recurring issue and it’s only over the last year that she’s really been able to stay injury-free and build.
That’s why last Sunday’s success was so special.
“It was amazing.
“To be part of that team was great. I have had many frustrating days but last weekend wasn’t like that.
“I have trained so hard to get to where I am not just this year but the last few years and it’s finally come together.
“My coach Shauna, Finn Valley, my family and friends are a great support and there are local businesses that have been a great help as well.
“I wouldn’t have been there without that support so I want to thank everyone.
“It didn’t happen in one weekend. It’s been a journey. I could have hung up my spikes plenty of times.
“There were times when I wasn’t selected for championships and I’ve learned from experience that you are never guaranteed a spot on that relay team.
“Selection can be unpredictable and you have to be prepared for that but to be part of it at the weekend was brilliant.
“The four of us put our best foot forward and we went and qualified for the World Championships so I’m absolutely buzzing for it.”
Crossan joked that she now practically lives at the Finn Valley Centre after taking a brave step in 2025.
“I work part-time in Michael Murphy Sports.
“Last year I decided to cut my work from full-time to part-time to focus on athletics and give myself a chance.
“I’m getting to that age where you have to do it now really.
“Work has been so good to me and very flexible. I have been away for six weeks but they have been a great support to let me pursue my career in athletics and also work part-time.
“Right up through juveniles I was always there or thereabouts and it’s just breaking onto that senior stage now for me.
“You’re competing against the best in the world and it’s going well at the moment so hopefully I can keep it going.”