Rhasidat Adeleke won her first individual senior European medal with a stunning showing in the 400m final in Rome on Monday.
Adeleke – who finished fifth in the equivalent race on her previous effort in 2022 – looked like taking the win before she was edged out late by Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek.
Still, a silver medal at the age of just 21 is a remarkable feat for the Tallaght athlete and she added it to her gold success from the mixed relay last week.
She clocked a time of 49.07 – a personal best and a new Irish record en route to fending off established Dutch rival Lieke Klaver in third.
🥈SILVER for Rhasidat Adeleke with a PB of 49.07) in the women’s 400m final with Sharlene Mawdsley eighth ☘️ #Roma2024
📺 Watch on @RTE2 & @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/nbep3svaED— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 10, 2024
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Sharlene Mawdsley was also flying the flag for Ireland but had to settle for eighth place but it has still been a great week for her, also winning gold in that stunning relay performance.
Rhasidat Adeleke pays tribute to mother after silver medal win
Adeleke shared his admiration for her mother following her silver medal win, stressing the efforts she went to in order for her to race through the ranks as she grew up.
My Mam comes to every single meet ever since I was growing up in athletics she put me first all the time,” Adeleke reflected.
“She would switch out shifts at work and she would always take annual leave to come watch my meets, take me everywhere and pay for everything.
“To be able to be here doing what I love. I just feel so grateful for her because I would not be here without her.”
💬 ‘This is my first 400m event of the year and a PB…I’m really excited for the rest of the year’ – Rhasidat Adeleke says after initial disappointment, she is proud of her silver medal with the Olympics on the horizon#Roma2024
📺 Watch on @RTE2 & @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/F9CyqXZ6HE— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 10, 2024
Adeleke added that she was initially disappointed, but taking the result and her national record into context, was ultimately pleased with her result.
‘Honestly, when I crossed the line and realised I came second I was devastated, I really wanted it,” she said.
“But as my coach said, we have been training through this competition so to even come out of here with a PB (is incredible).
“I am really excited because this is my first 400m competition of the year.”
It has been a brilliant week for Ireland at the European Athletics Championships, kickstarted by Adeleke and Mawdsley’s efforts in winning gold in the 400m mixed relay.
The quartet – which also featured Thomas Barr and Chris O’Donnell – put in a record-breaking display to finish first in thrilling style in the Italian capital.
Ciara Mageean then followed it up with a long-awaited gold medal in the 1500m on Sunday night, after a patient performance.
The Portaferry native thanked her camogie upbringing as she refused to be boxed in and surged clear late to add gold to her silver and bronze medal wins of the past.