In a recent interview with Her Sport at the National Indoor Arena, Irish sprint sensation Rhasidat Adeleke reflected on her remarkable career and ambitions for the future. The athlete has quickly become one of the most promising figures in Irish athletics, capturing international attention with her record-breaking performances and inspiring dedication. With a calm yet confident demeanour, Rhasidat shared stories from her journey, the support she’s received from family and friends, and her vision for what lies ahead.
Rhasidat, a Dublin native, first emerged on the national scene as a talented young sprinter, displaying natural ability and determination that set her apart from her peers. Since those early days, Rhasidat has gone on to achieve milestones few could have anticipated, including representing Ireland on the global stage, setting national records in both indoor and outdoor events and making her Olympics debut this summer in two events; the 400m and 4x400m relay.
During the interview, Rhasidat candidly discussed the physical and mental demands of training at an elite level. She emphasized the importance of resilience and shared the strategies she uses to stay motivated, especially when setbacks arise. "Structure is important", she begins. "My training, my nutrition, [my] hydration". Rhasidat's commitment to improving her craft is evident; she described her rigorous training schedule, which balances intense physical conditioning with a focus on technique, mental preparation, and recovery.
On the other hand, Rhasidat also emphasized the importance of balance in the midst of her regimented schedule. "Life happen's sometimes", "if my structure or routine was thrown off, it would be a big shock to the system. So I do like to keep things a little bit flexible when they can be. Just to allow me to have that natural flow".
A key theme throughout the conversation was Rhasidat's pride in inspiring young female athletes. She touched on the thrill and responsibility of carrying the Irish flag, and the impact she hopes her success has on young athletes across the country. “I probably still cannot even comprehend the amount of people who are supporting me”. Rhasidat highlighted the support she’s received from her family, friends, coaches, and fans, noting how crucial this encouragement has been in her journey. "It's unreal. I just couldn't have expected it, growing up, that I'd be here so soon".
The burning question we had to ask was about Rhasidat's meeting and greet with Rihanna! She told us that Rihanna is someone who she has "watched and adored growing up". Rhasidat gratefully reflects on the trajectory of her career, saying "[I'm] shaking hands with these kinds of people. [I] just would have never imagined".
Looking to the future, Rhasidat shared her aspirations, including her goals for upcoming championships and her long-term vision for her career. “I'm just really excited to become even more of an inspiration and get more people doing sport, that's the whole goal". She hinted at her excitement for upcoming competitions and her readiness to face new challenges on the path ahead.
The interview concluded with Rhasidat offering advice for aspiring athletes, encouraging them to embrace hard work, stay focused, and believe in their dreams. “Just go for it. Just try everything. I feel like you would rather have went for it and maybe it didn't work out than to say you wish you would have done that”. Her words were filled with wisdom and passion, embodying the spirit of a true champion.
As Rhasidat continues to train and prepare for her next events, fans across Ireland and beyond are eager to see what she will accomplish. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, and she stands as an inspiring role model for the next generation.
