As the Paris Olympics kick off, Rhasidat Adeleke Overcomes Racism and Sets Sights on Olympic Gold, Ireland’s star sprinter, is gearing up to make history.
The 21-year-old national record holder in all sprint distances from 60m indoors to 400m, is undeterred by the wave of racial abuse she has faced online. Instead, she remains steadfast in her ambition to become the first Irish woman to win a gold medal in athletics.
Adeleke, who officially qualified for the Paris Olympics in July 2023 with an impressive 200m performance in Hungary, has been a force to be reckoned with on the track. Standing tall at 1.83 meters (6 feet), she has dreamed of competing on the world stage since her school days.
Her journey began in Dublin, where she was born to Nigerian parents. Encouraged by her primary school PE teacher to pursue athletics, Adeleke joined Tallaght Athletic Club at age 11. Her talent was evident early on, winning multiple titles and setting records that paved her path to international success.
Despite her achievements, Adeleke has faced significant racial abuse, affecting her mental health. However, she remains resilient, with strong support from her coach, family, and the wider Irish community. A mural celebrating her as a national hero now stands in central Dublin, symbolizing the country’s pride and support.
Adeleke’s recent performances have been stellar, breaking Irish records and winning medals on the European stage. She became the first Irish woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and clinched her first Diamond League victory in Monaco. Her current best time of 49.07 seconds places her among the top contenders for the Olympic gold.
As she prepares for her Olympic debut on August 5, Adeleke aims to stay focused and maintain a positive mindset. With her exceptional talent and determination, Ireland’s golden hope is ready to shine on the world’s biggest stage.
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