Rachel McCann from Bangor, County Down, contributed to Ireland's women's 4x400m relay team qualifying for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

The team earned qualification at the World Athletics Relay Championships in Gaborone, Botswana. McCann ran the opening leg, recording a personal best time of 52.35 seconds. Her teammates Sophie Becker, Arlene Crossan and Sharlene Mawdsley completed the relay in a season's best of 3:23.83, advancing past teams from France and Jamaica.

McCann, who represents North Down AC, normally runs the third leg but took the starting position this time. She has competed for Ireland since 2017 and attended Sullivan Upper School.

The 24-year-old expressed pride in the team's achievement, noting the hard work paying off and providing a confidence boost. She highlighted learning from experienced teammates Becker and Mawdsley, who competed at the 2024 World Championships.

McCann plans to focus next on the Mary Peters Track in Belfast this weekend. There she aims to secure a spot representing Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, including an individual event and another personal best.