Tipperary's Sharlene Mawdsley throws shade following online abuse of Rhasidat Adeleke
Shocking stuff online at present about one Irish athlete in particular
Tipperary athlete Sharlene Mawdsley has described her European Athletics Championship Gold and Silver medal success as "a whirlwind" as she appeals to people to "please be kind in what you say about any person".
The mother of Ireland sprint hero Rhasidat Adeleke paid an emotional tribute to her "little girl" after it emerged that the medal-winning athlete was subjected to vile online abuse.
Taoiseach Simon Harris also backed the 21-year-old triple European medal winner, calling her online taunters "cowards".
The young track sensation, who was born in Ireland to Nigerian parents and raised in Tallaght, is one of the hottest prospects in world athletics.
In a post on Instagram, the Newport athlete Sharlene said: "A special thank you to everyone for the support you have all shown the past week.
"To my teammates for producing such special runs that won us both gold and silver medals, thank you.
"To my loved ones, for the unwavering support you have always shown me, for being there through the highs and the lows, thank you."
She added: "To my coaches, physio, sport psychologist and manager, for all your help and guidance, physically and mentally - thank you.
"To my sponsors, my club and town the best teams who supports me no matter what, thank you.
"To the Irish fans that show up time and time again, walking out on the track hearing the Irish cheer, settles nerves like no other. Thank you.
"To everyone who sent me a message of kindness, thank you.
"A small note: please be kind in what you say about any person. We are all doing the best for our country and representing ourselves to the highest regard. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
"Nowwwww - Onto the second part of the season."