One story that has resonated in recent months as Team Ireland gets ready to compete internationally at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris goes far beyond medals or patriotism. It tells the tale of Sarah Lavin, a record-breaking hurdler who comes to these Games with more than just athletic aspirations. She bears the memory of Craig Breen, her late partner. Their once-quietly private relationship now permeates every step she takes, each one honoring a connection shattered by tragedy but kept intact by purpose.
Tragically, Breen, the ebullient Irish rally driver who was well-known for his emotional resilience and abiding passion for the sport, died in a pre-race collision in Croatia in April 2023. Since then, Lavin has done a remarkable job of turning sorrow into inspiration. In addition to surpassing her prior Olympic qualifying, she has gained notoriety as Team Ireland’s joint-flagbearer, an honor she dedicates to Breen’s spirit, by transforming her heartbreak into performance.
Craig Breen – Bio, Relationship Timeline, and Motorsport Legacy
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Craig Breen |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1990 |
| Date of Passing | April 13, 2023 |
| Profession | Rally Driver (WRC) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Final Team | Hyundai Motorsport |
| Known For | WRC podiums, Junior Rally Championship, emotional connection to motorsport |
| Partner | Sarah Lavin – Olympic hurdler |
| Legacy | Passionate, deeply respected in motorsport circles |
| Reference Source | Tribute to Craig Breen |
From Sadness to Hope: Purposeful Running, Not Just for Place
Lavin’s athletic trajectory has significantly improved over the past year, both emotionally and statistically. Thinking about Breen’s potential to fulfill his boyhood dream gave her the motivation to go beyond her comfort zone. Lavin barely qualified in the run-up to Tokyo. With a focus that feels both grounded and forward-looking, she has easily and reliably met the mark this time.
She has created a new framework for navigating pain through performance, which is incredibly effective, by using her grief as a personal motivator. In all honesty, Lavin stated, “I want to keep Craig near me because I’m running for a lot.” Her message is especially potent because of her ability to speak so candidly, especially at a time when the country is feeling proud. It supports the notion that resilience is about moving forward with intention rather than forgetting.
A National Icon of Fortitude and Calm
It was more than just symbolic to be selected to carry the Irish flag at the opening ceremony, alongside golfer Shane Lowry. For Lavin, it was a very emotional and significant moment of realization. She later reflected on how hard it was to keep the news to herself, even from her own mother, and recalled crying when she was first told about the honor. Her Olympic journey’s defining emotional arc has been that internal conflict between pride and loss.
Lavin also mentioned during the announcement how she finds strength in Craig’s family, the rallying community, and her training group, which has supported her since she was seven years old. In recent months, their support has been particularly evident, creating a network of support that she attributes to helping her just get by. She went on to say, “The world is full of wonderful people.” “I just feel so thankful.”
Where Loss and Development Collide: Discovering Calm in Performance
Sarah Lavin adds an extra dimension—emotional depth—to Olympic sport, where performance is usually measured in seconds. These days, her races are about more than just qualifying. One step at a time, they aim to restore a sense of tranquility. “At the moment, not many days are typical,” she said, “but I definitely find peace on the track.” That statement, which is incredibly poignant and clear, perfectly encapsulates how sport has turned into her haven.
Lavin has transformed loss into momentum with the help of a devoted community, strategic coaching, and her own inner strength. She is turning tragedy into legacy rather than just surviving it. And as her athletic career develops over the next few years, she will continue to be a powerful example of what it means to lead with love.
The Legacy of Craig Breen: Still Going Strong
Craig Breen was well-known in the motorsport world for his technical prowess and genuine emotional connection. He raced to feel as much as to win. Lavin now embodies that same philosophy, competing not only to set records but also to uphold the values of a person who greatly influenced her.
Her presence will act as a reminder as the Olympics in Paris draw near that greatness isn’t solely determined by medals but also by one’s capacity for tenacity, love, and meaning-finding in every action. Even though Craig isn’t physically present at the track anymore, his influence—which is incredibly strong and long-lasting—will be felt in her every step.
