Rhasidat Adeleke stands by decision not to compete at World Indoor Championships

Michael Bolton

With much hype generated towards a big 2024, Rhasidat Adeleke has insisted she is a "small fish in a big pond" as she look towards the outdoor season.

Having broken several Irish records in 2023, Adeleke began her 2024 in the indoor season in America, where she broke her 300-metre record with a time of 36.42 seconds.

The 21-year-old, who went professional last year, is currently attending the University of Texas.

With attention now turning to the outdoor season, Adeleke is set to get it underway at the Texas Relays at the end of March. With Paris in July on everyone's mind, Adeleke is keeping herself grounded in what will be a busy year.

" I definitely try to just focus on myself, because in a sport like this you really can't control what other people do.

"I try to just do what I can to make myself better and do what fits my schedule and what my coaches plan and take it from there.

"I think being out here helps a little bit, I'm just like a small fish in a bog pond out here. A lot of the hype I see, is just from social media and stuff, so I just turn that off, I find it helps."

In Glasgow, it was a big weekend for Irish athletics at the World Indoor Athletics Championships. Sarah Lavin finished fifth in the 60 metre hurdles, while the 4x400 metre relay, an team Adeleke could be part of this summer, also finished fifth in their final.

Adeleke committed to the World Athletics Relays in The Bahamas on May 4th-5th, where both the Irish women’s 4x400m relay and mixed 4x400m relay will look to secure their Paris qualification.

There is also the European Athletics Championships, set for the Stadio Olimpico in Rome from June 7th-12th.

While Adeleke does not regret taking part in Glasgow, she was encouraged by the performances of Irish athletes in the event.

"It is really good to see Ireland be very competitive on the world stage, for a small nation we are doing pretty well for ourselves. It's definitely motivating. When everyone else is doing well, it motivates me to do well too.

"I'm glad that I am here getting in hard work and stuff. If I had went, I would have had to taper for a little it. I would come back, and would be a little bit fatigued, and miss a little bit of training.

"It is amazing to see we can get up there and be medal competitors. Ireland is always known for long distance, but defenitley a force to be reckoned with in the relays now.

"They have proved that over the years. From the Olympics to World Championships, it is becoming consistent now.

"I think it is playing well for me this year, because I will be ready when I need to be ready."