Sophie Becker: Reaching Tokyo relay final really spurred us on

Being part of the 4x400 mixed relay team that reached a final in Tokyo was the start of "something special" for Irish athletics, says Sophie Becker, who again will run in the relays at the Paris Olympics, as well as competing individually in the 400m.

Friday evening sees the opening round of the mixed relay, with Becker in a squad that includes Sharlene Mawdsley, Chris O'Donnell, Thomas Barr and Rhasidat Adeleke, though the latter is unlikely to run in the event.

The heats of the 400m take place on Monday morning next, while there is also the women's 4x400m relay to look forward to.

Becker is relishing the opportunity to compete at a second Games, after a somewhat anxious build-up.

"I feel like it's only now I'm actually starting to look forward to it because it’s just been a very stressful run-up to it," she told RTÉ Sport.

"For myself, waiting to find out about the individual and then just packing and everything else you have to organise in-between. So now that I’m here and everything’s packed, I’m finally able to relax and really take in what’s about to happen."

Covid restrictions meant that no crowds were present at the Tokyo Games, so Paris 2024 will be a totally different experience, says Becker.

"In a lot of ways, this feels like my first Olympics because it was just so different. Even when I was collecting my kit, it was the full experience, it was a photo-shoot. I got dolled up for it.

"There was the Mics and Medals podcast on, it was a real event. For Tokyo it was literally like 'Here’s your gear'. Obviously you don’t want to give anyone Covid. With it being 100 years [since Ireland first competed in 1924], it's just so special.

"From what everyone is saying, the whole country is going to come to a stop and obviously