Rhasidat Adeleke has shared a powerful message with her followers after securing a European Championship silver medal and breaking her own national record.
The Irish sprinter delivered a stunning performance in the 200m final in Birmingham, powering home in 22.28 seconds to take silver and narrowly pip Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith at the finish.
Taking to Instagram following the achievement, Rhasidat shared a photo from the championships alongside a simple but poignant message.
“Never stop believing,” she wrote.
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The 23-year-old also proudly described herself as a “European 200m silver medalist & national record” holder as she reflected on the huge achievement.
Her latest success marks a remarkable return to form for the Tallaght native, who secured her place at the European Championships only a little over two weeks ago after a last-chance qualifying performance at the 123.ie National Championships.
Following her silver medal win, Rhasidat opened up about the journey she has been on since finishing fourth at the Paris Olympics and admitted that her first thought when crossing the line was disappointment that she hadn’t won gold.
However, she said she quickly reminded herself to feel grateful for how far she had come.
“I feel grateful to have come away with a medal,” she told RTÉ’s David Gillick trackside.
“I had to bring it back to who I now want to be. I don’t want to be that person anymore. I want to find gratitude in everything.”
She also admitted that the experience had helped her rediscover her enjoyment of the sport.
“Now I just want to be free. I want to be happy. I want to enjoy this sport,” she said.
The silver medal adds to Rhasidat’s impressive European Championship record, having previously won 400m silver as well as gold and silver medals in the relays at Rome 2024.
She also becomes only the second Irish athlete after Sonia O’Sullivan to win European Championship medals in two different events.
