Ciara Mageean came 10th in the 1500m final at the World Championships in Doha on Saturday evening.
It was an evening that saw Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands claim a unique double - winning the 10,000m and 1500m finals.
Her victories though have been slightly overshadowed by the long-running doping controversy that has marred athletics for years.
Hassan, who has been coached by Alberto Salazar, was born in Ethiopia but represents the Netherlands.
Salazar was banned for doping offenses for four years earlier this week and Hassan was forced to defend herself in light of the news.
"It was a very tough week and I had a lot of things in my head but I have a good manager and he really supported me.
"I show the world I am a clean athlete. I don't know why they have put the spotlight on me.
"I have been at the top since 2014, before I joined Nike academy, they can go check my background. What do they think, that the world anti-doping doesn't test me?"
Co. Down's Ciara Mageean also featured in the 1500m that Hassan set a new Championship Record in.
She finished 10th and, speaking to Athletics Ireland afterward was pleased with her performance;
"To come 10th in the world, I'm absolutely over the moon. I came out here ranked I think 14th, 16th, something like that.
"I've come top 10 in the world - for a wee girl from Portaferry that's not too bad.
"It was a fast race. I went out and thought it might be steady and pick up.
"Then I saw Hassan coming round the side and thought right we're in for a treat now.
"I knew I would have to run hard and went out there with the aim of staying in touch.
"I know I'm tough and wasn't going to lose my head.
"In that last lap, I gave it everything, that last 100 so 10th - happy with that."
"To come 10th in the world, I'm absolutely over the moon." 🇮🇪👏🇮🇪
A lifetime best of 4:00.15 for @ciaramageean who, as always, ran her absolute heart out in the world 1500m final in Doha pic.twitter.com/jdNbhxkTL2
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) October 5, 2019
Mageean though doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.
She said that this is only the beginning as she eyed up even better finishes going forward.
"I came out here and every vest I can get is a little peg that I'm getting closer to where I want to be.
"10th in the world now, it shows me that there's a big gap between me and number one and it shows me the work that I have to do.
"I'm gonna do a lot of work, work hard over the next while because I want to close that gap and I want to be up there competing for medals in the future.
"I'm going from strength to strength this whole season has been fantastic I've run another PB, to better my rankings in the world is a testament to the work that Steve my coach has put in.
"I'm so grateful to him and all my team in Manchester.
"And everybody in the stands, I'm overwhelmed with the support, whenever I go out there and see the tricolours it puts a smile on my face."
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