The talent of Rhasidat Adeleke has never been in doubt, but the Tallaght AC athlete has struggled to find form at recent meetings, leaving her hopes of making the European Championships at risk. The qualifying time for the 200m in Birmingham stood at 22:85 seconds, a time she hasn’t met.
At today’s Athletics Ireland National Championships in Morton Stadium, Adeleke found her rhythm, and stormed to victory in 22:80. While this time is just inside the qualifying time, her form post race showcased a returning confidence, and finding form at the right time. During a post race interview, she acknowledged the goal of making the European standard, and with a nod to recent struggles, stated there was no better place to find the standard than in front of a home crowd cheering her to victory.
With the Europeans just around the corner, it is a timely return to form, as her talent would traditionally have seen her in medal contention.
With European leading Dina Asher-Smith with a time of 22.28 seconds, and team GB team-mate Daryll Neita both after pulling out of the Commonwealth Games, an improving Adeleke has a chance of aiming for a European podium.
While Adeleke’s performance is certainly coming at the right time to boost Irish interest at the upcoming European Championships, there is concern about the status of Sharlene Mawdsley. The Tipperary native pulled up before the finish line with question marks around her status. We will be keeping a close eye on news of Mawdsley’s status, and hope it was a precautionary measure rather than an injury.
