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We’ve been so proud of our Irish Olympians over the last week.
It’s our most successful Olympics ever as we have secured at least seven medals.
However, there has been plenty of heartbreak as well.
Team Ireland’s Ciara Mageean has been forced to withdraw from the 1500m heats due to injury.
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She explained that she was “heartbroken” that she won’t be able to compete as she has been dealing with painful chronic Achilles issues.
The news was confirmed on Instagram by Team Ireland: “Despite every effort made by Ciara and the Team Ireland medical team, the European champion will unfortunately be unable to toe the line tomorrow morning.”
While Ciara said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken not to be able to compete in my third Olympic Games. I gave it everything to make it possible to be on the start line, but time was against me. I want to thank everyone for all their support.”
Ciara was tipped for glory at the Olympics after she won European gold in the 1500m in June.
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However, it looks like this injury has been niggling at her for a while as she was forced to withdraw from the nationals a few weeks later citing fatigue.
While it was believed it would be third times a charm for Ciara, her bad luck at the Olympics continues. She ran below her best in the 1500m semi-final in Rio 2016 and then ahead of the Tokyo Games in 2021, she tore her calf just days before her opening 1500m heat. She came in 10th after running a 4:07.29.
