Rhasidat Adeleke, World Athletics Championship: The Controversies

Irish sprint sensation Rhasidat Adeleke will not be representing Team Ireland at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. 

The announcement comes after a challenging 2025 season for the Dubliner, who has been struggling with injuries and a dip in form. Adeleke recently withdrew from the National Track and Field Championships and missed a key Diamond League meeting in Monaco, signaling ongoing physical setbacks.

Why She Won’t Be Participating

Adeleke took to Instagram to share her decision, citing persistent injuries and setbacks. In her statement, she wrote:

“This season has tested me in more ways than I ever anticipated. Lingering injuries & continuous setbacks made it increasingly difficult to train & perform at the level I expect from myself. Following yet another recent roadblock, I’m saddened to share that I’m unable to finish out this season. I’ll take this time to heal, recover and do what’s necessary so I can show up next season as my best self, mind and body. I’m so grateful to everyone that shows me unwavering support. It means the world. Much love – R.”

Her decision highlights the physical and mental challenges athletes face when navigating a demanding season, particularly when aiming to balance individual goals with team obligations.

The Controversies

Despite widespread sympathy for her situation, Adeleke’s withdrawal has stirred up debate. Olympic silver medallist Sonia O’Sullivan criticized the timing and manner of her announcement, suggesting that Adeleke’s decision lacked transparency. In her Irish Times column, O’Sullivan wrote:

“My first concern for Rhasidat Adeleke right now is that she’s not being entirely open or honest. Not just with herself but with some of the people around her… Maybe another option for Tokyo would have been to just focus on the relay when she realised her individual 400m aspirations weren’t working out… Without more transparency, it’s hard to assess what exactly is going on.”

The debate revolves around whether Adeleke might have prioritized the Irish relay team even if her individual event plans were compromised. Critics argue that her solo announcement on social media, rather than in collaboration with her management or athletics authorities, left fans and teammates in uncertainty.

Nonetheless, Adeleke’s decision reflects the personal and professional calculations athletes often make to safeguard long-term performance, even at the cost of high-profile competitions.

At just 23, Adeleke has already established herself as one of Ireland’s most prominent athletes. A former NCAA 400m champion with the University of Texas, she has set multiple national records and has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s 4x400m relay teams, participating in both women’s and mixed events. 

Her careful management of team commitments, such as skipping the mixed relay at last year’s Paris Olympics, shows a sprinter balancing individual ambition with team responsibilities.