The Irish U20 women's 4x400m relay team finished fifth in the final at the European Championships in Tallinn on Sunday.
Though, a heroic effort from Rhasidat Adeleke had taken Ireland to the brink of medal contention on the final leg.
The 18-year-old - who won gold medals at the championship in the 100m and 200m - was handed the baton by Maeve O'Neill with Ireland in sixth place.
By the back straight, Adeleke had moved Ireland into third, and looked as though she was about to overtake leaders Germany and Spain.
It was then that the weekend's exertions - running heats, semi-finals, and finals in the 100m and 200m - started to tell as Adeleke tied up down the home straight.
Adeleke covered the first 300m of her leg in 36.37.
For context, the world U20 best for 300m is 36.25, the European U20 best is 36.46 and the senior Irish record is 37.07.— Jon Mulkeen (@Statman_Jon) July 18, 2021
Still, the 3:37:39 finishing time - two second behind gold medallists Germany - was an Irish record for the team which featured Lauren McCourt and Caoimhe Cronin on the first two legs.
Adeleke's leg - ran in 52.54 - was the fastest of anyone in the race.
Rhasidat Adeleke final leg 4x400m relay
Gold for Germany in the women's 4x400m! 🙌🥇
And a brilliant 52.54 anchor leg from Rhasidat Adeleke to bring Ireland into medal contention! 👏#Tallinn2021 pic.twitter.com/0zjU2PtaCn— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) July 18, 2021
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