Mark English made Irish athletics history on Monday evening with a record-breaking performance at the FBK Games in Hengelo, the Netherlands, becoming the first Irishman to dip under the 1:44 barrier in the men’s 800m.
The 32-year-old from Donegal clocked a sensational 1:43.92 to claim victory at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting, shaving over four tenths off his previous national record of 1:44.34, which he had set just 11 days earlier in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
It marks the second time in under two weeks that English has rewritten the Irish record books, following a remarkable run of form this season. His latest triumph saw him finish ahead of France’s Yanis Meziane (1:44.32) and Australia’s Peyton Craig (1:44.32), who took second and third respectively in a tightly contested final.
A Year to Remember
2025 is turning out to be one of the finest years of Mark English’s distinguished career. In March, he secured a European Indoor Championships bronze medal in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, his fifth major championship medal, and one that now leaves him trailing only Irish athletics legend Sonia O’Sullivan in the nation’s all-time major championship medal tally.
Remarkably, English has never missed the podium when reaching a European final, whether indoors or outdoors. His collection includes four bronze medals and a silver, the latter coming at the European Indoors in Prague back in 2015.
Following a crucial five-week altitude training block in Flagstaff, Arizona, English’s form has soared, with back-to-back victories at Continental Tour Gold meetings and now, a historic national record.
What Next?
The celebrations will be brief for the Irish middle-distance star, as English is set to line up again over 800m at the Oslo Diamond League on Thursday night.
He’ll be joined by Irish sprint star Rhasidat Adeleke, who is scheduled to contest the women’s 400m.
English’s sights are firmly set on continuing his stellar season and building momentum towards the major championships later this year.
