If the darkest hour is just before the dawn, Sarah Lavin's bronze medal performance in the 100m hurdles at the European Games in Krakow provided the Limerick athlete with shafts of light after the most challenging period of her life.
Lavin lost her boyfriend Craig Breen on 13 April, with the Waterford rally star killed in a crash while preparing for Rally Croatia.
Having raced on Wednesday morning in the European Athletics Team Championships as part of the European Games, the hurdler had to wait until Saturday for confirmation of her podium placing due to an unusual format comprising of three separate divisions.
The 29-year-old became the first athlete to win a Division Three race to medal at the event, with her time of 12.82 seconds just outside the personal best of 12.85 that she clocked at last summer's European Championships in Munich.
Lavin, who was able to enjoy pizza and champagne at home with her parents as the result was confirmed told RTÉ's Sunday Sport: "It was a big honour to win a major medal. It is something that you always wanted to do.
"These European Games are a new inception, but the field was particularly strong.
"The team obviously performed out of their skin out there and we're getting promoted to the next division so we'll have one less round to wait next time hopefully to figure out if we're in the medals."
"He is, I think, giving me strength because I don't know at times how to get through every day."
Breen's absence cast a long shadow over what would otherwise have been a day of unbridled joy, with Lavin revealing: "It's been difficult. Even yesterday, the one smile you wanted to see was Craig's, it was so infectious.
"It's hard. Everyday is really difficult and you're just trying to be as strong as you can be because you know that's what he would want.
"He is, I think, giving me strength because I don't know at times how to get through every day.
"His family have been incredible and looking at them and how strong they have been. Everyone misses Craig, his family, his friends and so many fans.
"You're just trying to do your best to do him proud."
The UCD alumna, who revealed that one fan in Finland had 'CB42' tattooed on his ear as a permanent tribute to Breen, added: "I know how proud he would be because indoors, even after Mickey Mouse competitions, his reaction was always the best, as were his hugs.
"It's just tricky because it's such a happy moment that you've dreamt of your whole life and you wish he was here for it.
"I know he's helping in whatever way he can.
"He lived out his childhood dream and I'm so fortunate that he did because it helps me to want to mirror that."
"There are such good people in the world and I'm just so grateful for all the kindness and the messages and the support, because that's what's keeping me going."
With her emotions still understandably in flux, Lavin revealed that her second home is where she finds solace.
"I certainly do find peace on the track," she said.
"It's something that feels somewhat normal because not many days are normal at the moment."
The support of the athletics community has also played a crucial role during her grieving process.
"They've been crucial because they keep you going," she said.
"I'm so fortunate to have Noelle Morrissey as my coach. I've known her since I was seven. Our relationship is so strong and also it's extended to the training group and beyond.
"People have been absolutely amazing. I'm lost for words at times. There are such good people in the world and I'm just so grateful for all the kindness and the messages and the support, because that's what's keeping me going."
