Rhasidat Adeleke delivered the standout performance of day one at the 123.ie National Senior Track and Field Championships at Morton Stadium today
Pressure was on Adeleke as she chased the European championship qualifying standard.
However, Adeleke powered to victory in the women's 200m in a Championship Record 22.80.
In claiming her first senior outdoor national 200m title, the Dubliner also dipped beneath the European Championships qualifying standard of 22.85. Booking her place at Birmingham 2026 next month.
"It's been a rough year” explained Adeleke. “I didn't really have any expectations coming in here". Adeleke went on, "I just wanted to come out in front of a home crowd and show up, and whatever happened, happened.”
"I wouldn't be able to do it without this crowd here, honestly” added Adeleke. “I knew that if I can do it anywhere, it's at home, so thank you to everyone who supported me. So many sent me such nice messages.
“Sometimes you're in a bad place and you think the worst of yourself, and then you see the amount of people showing you love and support. It just lifts my spirits."
Lauren Roy (Fast Twitch A.C.) produced another excellent run to take silver in 23.49, while Lorena Harrison (Ratoath A.C.) claimed bronze in 24.61.
The race saw defending champion Sharlene Mawdsley pull up sharply approaching the final 100 meters.
In the men’s 200m, Benjamin Richardson (Waterford A.C.) claimed his maiden senior national outdoor title in 20.64.
Sean Aigboboh (Tallaght A.C.) finished strongly for silver in 20.75. Whereas, Mark Smyth (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) and Ryan Mulholland (Tallaght A.C.) shared the bronze medal after dead-heating for third in 21.16.
