Rhasidat Adeleke will not compete in the upcoming World Atheltics Championships in Tokyo after announcing that her 2025 season is over after recent injury setbacks.
The 22-year old had qualified for the World Championships in both the 200m and 400m but had struggled to replicate the form of previous seasons over the course of the summer. In a post on Instagram, she said that she was unable to complete the season and would be taking the rest of the year off to recover.
“This season has tested me in more ways than I ever anticipated,” Adeleke wrote.
“Lingering injuries and continuous setbacks made it increasingly difficult to train and 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.”
Adeleke, a European silver medallist in the 400m in Rome last year, would have been targetting her first medal at world level, after fourth place finishes in the Olympic final and at the last world championships in Budapest two years ago.
However, she was unable to reach the heights of 2023 and 2024, with her season’s best 400m time of 50.42 well off the 49.07 she posted in Rome last summer.
Her decision to withdraw from the world championships is a major blow to Team Ireland’s medal hopes, especially for the 4x400m women’s relay team which came agonisingly close to a medal at the Paris Olympics.
AloJapan.com