Meet Rhasidat Adeleke, The Nigerian Set To Make History For Ireland At The Paris 2024 Olympics

Rhasidat Adeleke is on the road to make history for Ireland at Paris 2024

Rhasidat Adeleke

As the clock ticks down to the Paris Olympics, all eyes are on Rhasidat Adeleke who is gunning to become the first Irish woman to win a gold medal in athletics.

Born 29 August 2002 in Dublin to Nigerian parents from Oyo State, Adeleke has proven against all doubts that she has what it takes despite being a target of racial discrimination.

With incredible performances at the European Championships winning gold in the mixed 4x400m relay and silver in the 4×400 women’s relay, the 21-year-old heads into Paris as one of the top athletes to watch at the games.

Adeleke attributes her success to the unwavering support of her mother who is her biggest motivation. Her mother’s commitment extends beyond just sportsensuring Adeleke balances training and studies, a testament to the strong bond they share.

“To be able to be here, doing what I love, I just feel so grateful to her because I definitely wouldn’t be here without her,” Adeleke added, highlighting the integral role her mother has played in her success.

“My mam comes to every single meet ever since I was growing up. She put me first all the time,” Adeleke told Irish broadcaster RTE after taking European silver.

“To be able to be here, doing what I love, I just feel so grateful to her because I definitely wouldn’t be here without her.”

As Adeleke prepares for Paris, she is driven by a burning desire to win Olympic goldShe hopes to surpass Sonia O’Sullivan’s silver in the 5,000m at the 2000 Sydney Gameswhich remains Ireland’s only Olympic women’s t track and field medal.

“I want gold,” Adeleke explained in Rome. “Hopefully I’ll get gold in the future.”

Despite her extraordinary achievements in sportsher sporting career has not been without its challenges. On her journey to the Paris Olympics, Adeleke faced racist abuse on social media which questioned her right to represent Ireland which affected her deeply.

Despite thisshe remains focused on her goal and has received support from figures such as Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, who praised her as an inspiration and a proud representative of Ireland.

“Rhasidat Adeleke is not only a world-class champion, she is a world-class person,” Harris affirmed. “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.”

Adeleke was the first Irish woman to break the 50-second barrier in the 400 meters. She holds seven individual Irish national records (60 m indoors, 100 m outdoors, 200 m indoors and out, 300 m indoors, and 400 m indoors and out)