Rhasidat Adeleke is the undisputed hottest prospect in Irish sport at the minute, as she continues to break records and provide the country with real hopes that we could see an Olympic track medal in Paris 2024 or LA 2028.
The Tallaght runner is the national record holder in both the 200m and 400m - indoors and outdoors - and has been wowing crowds on the collegiate for the University of Texas.
On July 16 of this year she announced she would be turning pro immediately and signing with Nike, and has already impressed on her debut and in the Diamond League.
Some may be wondering about the risks of the decision, but in an exclusive chat with Balls.ie, Adeleke explained that while she will not be running for Texas, she will be finishing her schooling at the University:
I'm still going to pursue my degree. I'm still going to finish school and everything, it's just I'm a professional athlete now.
I'm just not going to running in the NCAA system. That's really the only difference. I'm still going to train in Texas, I'm going to be with my team, go to school.
Pictured is Allianz Ireland ambassador and Irish record holder, Rhasidat Adeleke. With just over one year to go, Rhasidat has her sights set on Paris 2024. Allianz Insurance are proud to be global and local partners of the Olympic movement as they continue to support Irish athletes, inspiring them to write their own future as Allianz underwrite it. #YouWriteIt #WeUnderwriteIt Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan SheridanREAD HERE: Rhasidat Adeleke Only Beaten By World Champion On Pro Debut
Rhasidat Adeleke On Signing With Nike And Her Future Goals
Adeleke also revealed that she's signed as a Nike athlete. While the Tallaght native is expected to run in the Irish National Championships this weekend, the main event this summer will be the World Championships in Budapest next month.
While there is so much happening right now in the 20-year-old's career, she showed that she has a mature head on her young shoulders, and has aspirations for the future.
"Be really dominant in my event, or on the track," she answered when asked how she wants to be remembered.
"Hopefully be able to inspire people, especially young girls, to do sports and to stay in sports, and to be be a good role model, and have a good image."
Monday 24th of July 2023: Pictured is Allianz Ireland ambassador and Irish record holder, Rhasidat Adeleke. With just over one year to go, Rhasidat has her sights set on Paris 2024.
Allianz Insurance are proud to be global and local partners of the Olympic movement as they continue to support Irish athletes, inspiring them to write their own future as Allianz underwrite it.#YouWriteIt #WeUnderwriteIt
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