Paris 2024 Olympics: Ireland's fastest woman faces unyielding racism on the road to gold

Paris 2024 Olympics: Ireland's fastest woman faces unyielding racism on the road to gold

Festus Chuma 07:00 - 24.07.2024

Ireland's gold medal hopeful has shone in track event overcoming online abuse and setting records ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

A fastest time in the world this year, a Diamond League record, two national records, and four personal bests—that is just a glimpse of what Rhasidat Adeleke has accomplished in the women's 400 meters as she sets her sights on the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Born in Ireland to Nigerian parents, Adeleke’s journey to athletic stardom has been marked not only by her victories on the track but also by her resilience in the face of adversity.

At just 22, Adeleke is aiming to become the first Irish female athlete to win Olympic gold, a dream that grows more tangible with each race.

Her season’s best of 49.07 seconds in Monaco underscores her readiness to challenge the world's elite.

"I run because I love the thrill, just getting so much joy from seeing the way I progress. Thinking of summer 2024, I’m pretty locked in, it definitely makes me excited," Adeleke shared in a recent interview with Life Style Sports.

Despite her rapid ascent, Adeleke's path has not been without its hurdles.

The young athlete has faced racist abuse online, an experience that plunged her into mental anguish.

In an interview, her coach at Texas University, Edrick Floreal, described the impact of the attacks.

"I think that’s probably the most pain I’ve seen her have. She was really in a dark place when she read those things on the internet. She doesn’t cry ever, so when she cries it’s like, ‘Oh my God’, so that bothered her more than I ever thought and I just let her handle it.”

The community rallied around Adeleke, with support coming from the highest levels of Irish leadership.

Turkish Prime Minister Taoiseach Simon Harris publicly condemned the abuse.

"Rhasidat Adeleke is not only a world-class champion, she is a world-class person. You are class, so please do not let online cowards bring you down. You are Ireland and Ireland could not be more proud of you," he said.

Adeleke's recent accolades include a silver medal at the European Championships and leading Ireland to its first gold in the mixed 4x400m relay since 1998.

This success combined with her personal bests sets her apart as a formidable competitor for the upcoming Olympics.

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