Rhasidat Adeleke is back at it once again.
Adeleke broke her own Irish national record in the women's indoor 400 metres, this time winning the Big 12 Conference final in Lubbock, Texas with a time of 50.33 seconds. The 20-year-old sprinter went through the opening 200 metres in 23.62 before accelerating down the home straight to take first place and set a new NCAA record. Her time breaks the old NAA record of 50.34 set by Kendall Ellis of University of Southern California Trojans in 2018. Ellis went on to win gold in the 4x400m relay and bronze in the Mixed 4x400 metres at the Tokyo Olympics.
Adeleke's latest achievement moves her to 13th on the world indoor all-time lists and makes her a leading contender for the 400m title at next month's NCAA Indoor Championships. It comes just three weeks after she broke the long standing Irish 400m record held by Karen Shinkings for 21 years, running a time of 50.45 which smashed the previous record of 51.58 in 2002. The time is the fastest Irish 400m both indoor and outdoor.
Adeleke's new record of 50.33 seconds puts her at number two in the world women's indoor 400 metres rankings, behind only Femke Bol of the Netherlands. This latest accomplishment adds to Adeleke's remarkable 2022 form, which saw her set Irish records at 60m, 200m, 300m, and 400m at the age of just 19.
Earlier this season, the Tallaght AC athlete smashed the Irish 200m record with a time of 22.52 in January before lowering the 400m record twice in February.
This is getting scary👀🔥🔥@rhasidatadeleke https://t.co/yPEPzHZmLO
— Israel (@IsraelOlatunde5) February 25, 2023
Adeleke's impressive performances this season have certainly put her on the world stage, and her sights are now set on the NCAA Indoor Championships. With her impressive form, there's no doubt that she'll be a strong contender for the 400m title.
