Rhasidat Adeleke to sit out National Championships in favour of recovery

Michael Bolton

Rhasidat Adeleke will not compete at this weekend’s National Track and Field Championships in Santry as “she continues to focus on recovery following recent race exertions.”

Last year, Adeleke claimed the last Irish sprint record not already belonging to her, obliterating the 100m mark in 11.13 seconds.

Adeleke has recently raced in the Diamond League meetings in Oslo, where she was fourth in the 400m with a time of 50.42. She also competed in London, where she was fourth in the 200m.

The 22-year-old has been well short of the rish record of 49.07 that she ran in last year’s European final.

In a statement on social media, she said:“Unfortunately, I won’t be competing at the National championships this weekend. I’ve attended nationals every year since 2021 & there’s nothing like competing in-front of a home crowd.

“An injury I had earlier this season has transcended into additional lingering setbacks so I’ll be supporting from afar. I’ll hopefully be back to get some Morton magic next year. I’m forever grateful for all the support. Best of luck to everyone racing.”

Adeleke's attention will turn to preperations for the World Championsships in Tokyo in September.

Several big names will still be competing this weekend, with Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker, and Phil Healy competing in the 400m.

Sarah Healy will hope to continue her successful year when she competes in the 800m, while Kate O'Connor will also be hoping to continue her success in the javelin/shot put/long jump.

Sarah Lavin will be in the 100m and 200m hurdles, while Mark English will be the big names in the 400m and 800m.

Both days of action at the nationals will be streamed on the Athletics Ireland YouTube Channel, with live coverage on RTÉ Two from 5-7.30pm on Sunday.

Day tickets cost €15 with a special two-day ticket available for €25, while U-16s go free.