Adeleke Blazes to Season’s Best in 200m as Ireland’s 4x100m Women Shatter National Record at London Diamond League…Read More…
London, July 19, 2025 — Under the iconic London skies, the world of athletics witnessed another chapter of electrifying performances as Ireland’s sprint sensation Rhasidat Adeleke delivered a breathtaking 200m run, clocking her season’s best at the London Diamond League. But the fireworks didn’t stop there. In a stunning show of unity, speed, and national pride, Ireland’s women’s 4x100m relay squad etched their names into the record books by setting a new national record — a feat that left fans roaring in approval at London Stadium.
Adeleke’s Solo Statement of Intent
Rhasidat Adeleke, already hailed as one of Europe’s brightest sprint talents, stepped onto the track with quiet confidence and sharp focus. The 21-year-old had been building momentum throughout the season, balancing individual ambitions with national representation. But on this sunlit afternoon in London, Adeleke unleashed a performance that reminded the world why she’s considered a rising global star.
Exploding out of the blocks in the women’s 200m, Adeleke looked smooth and powerful on the curve, holding her form with remarkable composure. As the field approached the home straight, it became a clear two-woman race between Adeleke and Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, the hometown favorite. But Adeleke, showing grit and sheer drive, surged ahead in the final 40 meters to stop the clock at 22.12 seconds — her fastest time of the year and the third-fastest of her career.
Though she narrowly finished second behind Asher-Smith’s 22.09 seconds, Adeleke’s time marked a major personal and national milestone, signaling her readiness for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. Her post-race words captured the essence of her determination:
“I felt strong coming off the bend, and honestly, I just wanted to give it everything in the home straight. This season has been about growth, and today’s race proves I’m right where I need to be heading into Tokyo.”
Her coach, Edrick Floréal, watching from the stands, applauded her mental toughness.
“She’s learning how to race against the best and today showed that her ceiling is higher than even we imagined.”
Ireland’s 4x100m Women Make History
As Adeleke soaked in the applause, another Irish story was about to unfold — this one even more symbolic of teamwork and national pride. The women’s 4x100m relay team, comprising Molly Scott, Sarah Leahy, Rhasidat Adeleke, and Lauren Roy, lined up against some of the world’s fastest quartets.
With nerves jangling and stakes high, Ireland’s foursome executed a near-flawless race. Scott, the experienced starter, got them off to a sharp opening leg, handing the baton cleanly to Leahy, who maintained composure on the back straight. As Adeleke grabbed the baton for the third leg, the crowd sensed something special. Adeleke powered through the bend, closing ground on the frontrunners, before delivering a textbook exchange to anchor Roy.
Lauren Roy, known for her blistering top-end speed, tore down the final straight, holding off strong charges from the German and British squads. The clock stopped at 42.99 seconds — a new Irish national record, bettering the previous mark by nearly three-tenths of a second.
The Irish team erupted in joy, embracing at the finish line amid cheers from a growing Irish contingent in the crowd.
“We knew if we executed our exchanges, we had a real shot at the record,” said Roy, grinning with disbelief. “To do it on a stage like the Diamond League, it’s honestly surreal.”
Adeleke, sharing her thoughts on the relay success, said:
“This means everything to us. It’s not just about individual races — it’s about showing Ireland belongs on the world stage in relays too. We’ve worked so hard for this.”
Eyes on the Future — Ireland’s Sprinting Renaissance
Ireland’s athletics scene, particularly in sprints, has undergone a quiet but remarkable transformation in recent years. With talents like Adeleke leading the charge, and a growing pool of young sprinters feeding into relay squads, expectations are soaring.
Athletics Ireland President Georgina Drumm praised the team’s performance:
“What we witnessed today is a testament to years of hard work, investment in grassroots, and the commitment of these incredible athletes. The future of Irish sprinting is bright.”
The record-breaking relay, combined with Adeleke’s season-best, positions Ireland as a potential dark horse in the relay events at the upcoming World Championships and the Paris 2028 Olympics.
The London Diamond League — A Launchpad for Stars
The London Diamond League once again proved its status as a premier athletics meet, delivering headline-grabbing performances across disciplines. But for Ireland, this July evening belonged to their sprinters — rewriting records, igniting dreams, and sending a clear message to the athletics world.
As Adeleke and her teammates stood united for post-race photos, wrapped in the Irish tricolor, it was more than just a victory lap. It was a statement of ambition, resilience, and a glimpse of what might be a golden future for Irish sprinting on the global stage.
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