Is Rhasidat Adeleke racing in the relay for Ireland? The sprinter confirms participation in women's 4x400m relay

The 21-year-old came agonisingly close to her first Olympic medal when coming fourth in Friday's 400m final

By: irishmirror.ie

Aug 10 2024
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Is Rhasidat Adeleke racing in

Rhasidat Adeleke has confirmed her intention to take part in Ireland's 4x400m relay team in tonight's Olympic final.

The 21-year-old came agonisingly close to her first Olympic medal when coming fourth in Friday's 400m final.

Adeleke became the first female Irish sprinter to reach an individual Olympic sprint final and was disappointed not to get her hands on a medal.

"I knew what I was capable of," she said after the race. "I was definitely looking at a podium, I definitely wouldn’t be happy coming fourth and my coach knows I could’ve got on that podium. It just wasn’t meant to be today but I think I still have so much more to give.

"I didn’t achieve my dreams today but in the future I just hope that there are more podiums up there and I’ll be able to perform at my best when it’s most important.

"It’s my first Olympics. I’m hungrier than ever."

But Adeleke has another chance of glory in Paris. She is set to join the 4x400m relay team, which has qualified for the Olympic final this evening.

Adeleke is likely to take the place of Kelly McGrory, who ran the third leg for Ireland as they came in third place in their semi-final.

Sophie Becker is set to lead Ireland off before handing the baton to Phil Healy, who will hand it to Adeleke before Sharlene Mawdsley takes the anchor leg.

The addition of Adeleke will add serious ammunition to the European silver medallists' hopes of making history. "Yeah, absolutely," she said, when asked if she would compete. "I think it’s another opportunity."

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