Irish sprint sensation Rhasidat Adeleke has withdrawn from the highly anticipated National Senior Track and Field Championships, igniting speculation around her fitness and preparations ahead of the upcoming European Athletics Championships. The absence of the 21-year-old track star, considered one of the brightest talents in European athletics, comes as a surprising development for fans and analysts just weeks before the continental showdown.
The championships, slated to be held at Morton Stadium in Santry, Dublin, were expected to serve as a key preparation milestone for several Irish athletes eyeing European or Olympic glory. But Adeleke, who recently signed a landmark NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal and moved her training base from the University of Texas to a European setup, has opted out—citing strategic recovery and training prioritization.
A Shocking Decision That Echoes Beyond Santry
Rhasidat Adeleke’s name was initially listed among the headliners of the 2024 National Championships. Her decision to skip the event was confirmed late Tuesday evening by her management, just days before the event was due to begin.
“Rhasidat will not be competing in this year’s National Senior Championships. This decision was made in consultation with her coaching and medical team, to prioritize long-term performance objectives,” said a brief statement from her camp.
Strategic or Concerning? Questions Over Fitness and Readiness
The announcement immediately triggered concern over whether the sprinter, who dazzled audiences with her 49.20s 400m PB earlier this year, is fully fit. Adeleke had experienced minor muscular tightness during her last meet in Switzerland, and insiders suggest this may have contributed to the cautious approach.
| Reason for Withdrawal | Possible Factors |
|---|---|
| Medical Precaution | Minor muscular tightness, injury prevention |
| Strategic Rest | Prioritizing recovery before Euros/Olympics |
| Focus on Major Championships | European and Olympic preparation |
| Performance Peaking | Timing peak performance for international meets |
Sources close to the Irish Athletics Federation also indicated that Adeleke is on a tailored progression plan, aligning her form peak for the Paris Olympics in August.
Adeleke’s 2024 Season So Far: A Mixed Journey
The year 2024 has been eventful for Rhasidat Adeleke. After turning professional and signing with Nike, she joined the Tumbleweed Track Club under coach Edrick Floréal. Despite balancing professional responsibilities, sponsorship pressures, and transitioning training environments, Adeleke clocked impressive times early in the season.
She had standout performances in the Diamond League circuit and recorded consistent sub-50s runs, showcasing her potential to challenge the European elite. However, a lack of competitive consistency in recent weeks has raised eyebrows about her readiness.
| Event | Location | Result | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Indoor Tour – 400m | Madrid, Spain | 50.45s | Season Opener Win |
| NCAA Indoor Final – 400m | Albuquerque, USA | 49.83s | Personal Best |
| Lausanne Diamond League – 400m | Lausanne, Switzerland | 50.78s | Muscle tightness reported |
| National Championships | Dublin, Ireland | Withdrawn | Not Participating |
National Impact: A Void in Irish Hopes
Adeleke’s withdrawal leaves a significant gap in the Irish line-up. With Sharlene Mawdsley, Phil Healy, and Sophie Becker also juggling rest and relay preparations, Ireland’s women’s 400m scene faces uncertainty heading into international events.
The relay team, which had built momentum since last year’s World Championships, now faces added pressure. Adeleke was not only the individual medal hopeful but also the lynchpin of the women’s 4x400m relay squad.
Athletics Ireland has reiterated that while Adeleke’s absence is disappointing, the broader goal is ensuring that Irish athletes peak during global events, not local championships.
Expert Opinions: Was This the Right Call?
Opinions remain split among experts. Some argue that skipping the national competition is wise, considering the tight international calendar. Others believe that missing domestic events could create a disconnect with the home fanbase and reduce match sharpness.
“We’ve seen this approach work before—athletes skipping local meets to focus on peaking for the right race. If managed properly, Rhasidat could benefit from the extra recovery,” said athletics analyst Ronan Gavigan.
“But as we saw in Tokyo, missing too many races before a major championship can be risky. Sharpness comes from competition,” countered former Olympian David Gillick.
Looking Ahead: European Championships & Olympic Dreams
With the Paris 2024 Olympics now less than a month away and the European Athletics Championships scheduled just before it, Adeleke is expected to focus exclusively on these international targets. The European title defence—if she chooses to participate—will be a crucial litmus test.
Adeleke won silver in the 400m at the 2023 European U23 Championships and was tipped to contest for gold this time around in the senior division. The absence of Dutch rival Femke Bol from the individual 400m (focusing on hurdles) had raised hopes of a title run for Adeleke.
Career Trajectory: Still Rising Despite Hiccups
Despite the current uncertainty, Rhasidat Adeleke remains one of Ireland’s most promising sporting figures. Her ascent from Tallaght Athletic Club to the world stage has been nothing short of meteoric.
Her progress has inspired a generation of young Irish athletes, particularly women of color, and she has become a leading figure in promoting diversity in sports in Ireland.
| Career Milestone | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First National Title | 2019 | As a junior in the 200m |
| NCAA Champion – 400m | 2023 | Broke collegiate record |
| European U23 Silver – 400m | 2023 | Cemented elite status in Europe |
| Professional Debut (Nike) | 2024 | Turned pro with global sponsorship |
| Olympic Qualification | 2024 | Secured spot in both 400m and 4x400m relay |
Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Irish athletics fans expressed both disappointment and support across social media platforms. The hashtag #WeStandWithRhasidat trended on Irish Twitter (X) following her announcement.
“Rest up, queen. We want you fresh for Paris!” wrote one fan.
“The Nationals are important too. Hope this isn’t a trend where top stars ignore them,” commented another.
Adeleke has not directly addressed the public yet but posted a cryptic story on Instagram showing her on a massage table with the caption, “Preparation > Performance.”
Final Thoughts
The decision by Rhasidat Adeleke to withdraw from the National Senior Track and Field Championship has stirred strong emotions in the Irish athletics community. While it may be a setback for fans hoping to see her compete on home soil, the strategic move may ultimately align with her greater ambition—standing on the Olympic podium in Paris.
Her health, preparation timeline, and competition choices in the coming weeks will determine whether this bold call proves to be visionary or risky. What remains certain is that Adeleke continues to represent Ireland with strength, focus, and purpose—even in absence.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for editorial and informative purposes. It is based on verified public statements and analysis within the athletic community. No medical or coaching advice is implied. All references to performance data and athlete decisions are subject to change based on official updates.
