Ciara Mageean – Athletics

Has single-handedly shone the spotlight on the Irish athletics season so far, her bronze medal won in the 1,500m at the Europeans in Amsterdam illuminating an otherwise quiet year. It wasn’t just the way the UCD physio student won that medal, keeping her head in a slow tactical race, but also the fact it marked a brave comeback after three years of injury. A brilliant junior, Mageean is now delivering on that promise, deftly coached by Jerry Kiernan. Rio is a big step up but if everything goes to plan and Mageean keeps her head again she’s our best chance of a track finalist.