Irish track superstar Rhasidat Adeleke has inked a deal with Nike, just days after declaring her intention to turn professional.
Having triumphed in the NCAA 400m championship last month, clocking an Irish record time of 49.20, the Tallaght sprinter has chosen to forgo her remaining eligibility with the University of Texas to pursue a professional career.
Adeleke's outstanding time of 49.20 ranks as the fourth fastest in the world this year and stands as an Irish national record. She also holds the Irish indoor 400m record with a time of 50.33.
In addition to her prowess in the 400m, Adeleke played a pivotal role in Texas' national championship 4x100m team, which also broke the collegiate record. Furthermore, she boasts a personal best of 22.34 in the 200m.
On the international stage, Adeleke dominated the 100m and 200m events at the European U20 Championships in 2021, while securing a respectable fifth place in the European Championships' 400m last year.
Announcing her new affiliation with Nike on social media, the 20-year-old tweeted, 'Blessed! Next chapter with Nike."
Blessed! Next chapter with @nike 🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/NAgpNw5mOW
— Rhasidat Adeleke (@rhasidatadeleke) July 17, 2023
Prior to fully focusing on her professional career, Adeleke will participate in the 200m event at Szekesfehervar before turning her attention to the 400m at the Monaco Diamond League meeting on Friday.
On Sunday, the Tallaght star revealed her decision to embark on a professional journey through an Instagram post,. This concluded weeks of speculation surrounding her plans leading up to next summer's Paris Olympic Games.
"Once in a lifetime experience. Thank you, Texas," she expressed on Instagram. "I'm extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to represent THE University of Texas these past 3 years. I couldn't have made a better decision! I'd like to thank absolutely everyone who supported me along the way and those that helped me become who I am today. However, I'd like to announce that I am forgoing the remainder of my eligibility and becoming a professional athlete."
