Sarah Lavin produced the run of her life this evening in Budapest as she broke Derval O'Rourke's national record by .03 of a second in the semi-finals of the World Athletics Championships.
The 29-year-old finished in a time of 12.62, but unfortunately fifth place was not enough for a spot in the final.
She spoke to Virgin TV after the race, and was clearly emotional given her achievement and the incredibly tough year she has endured after losing her boyfriend Craig Breen in a rally accident in April.
None the less, she gave a superb interview, thanking her supporters and her team, and even managed some tongue-in-cheek ribbing at O'Rourke.
Bittersweet.
We got it. I've dreamt of getting that national record since [moves her hand towards the ground] I was that size. We have it.
I made a mistake on hurdle nine and ye that cost me. But I was up there with some of the best in world, and I guess 12 months out from the Paris Olympics, that's where you want to be.
It was a brilliant race, it was the best race by any Irish person ever.... sorry Derval [O'Rourke]. She had her time, she made me work hard enough for it now lets be honest.
Sarah Lavin Finally Breaks Derval O'Rourke's Record At World Athletics Championships
"We got it! I've dreamt of getting that National Record since I was that size. We have it!
"Sorry Derval! She made me work hard for it!
"It's been difficult, but I've had something wonderful around me."
- @sarahlavin_. 💚#TeamIreland #WorldAthleticsChamps @WillDalton01 pic.twitter.com/TRzLc36ilg
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 23, 2023
Huge run by @sarahlavin_
in a brand new Irish record 🎉🎉🎉
Brilliant to see on the world stage ☘️
Congratulations Sarah 🎉 & to coach Noelle Morrissey #newirishrecord #WorldAthleticsChampionships— Derval O'Rourke (@DervalORourke) August 23, 2023
READ HERE: Sarah Lavin Poignantly Dedicates Unexpected European Bronze To Late Boyfriend
"And to everyone at home watching, supporting, I felt like a local when I came out into the stadium, the cheer was sensational.
"And particularly Jackie and Ray at home, we did it.
"I'll do everything in my power to make the next 12 months as magical as I possibly can. Of course it has been difficult, but I've definitely had something wonderful around me for the last few months and I'm so grateful for that."
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