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Irish athletics star Rhasidat Adeleke has received an outpouring of support after revealing the racist abuse she has faced online. The 21-year-old, who recently won gold in the mixed 4x400m relay, silver in the women’s 4x400m relay, and silver in the individual 400m at the European Championships in Rome, is now a top medal hope for Ireland at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Various public figures, including Taoiseach Simon Harris, have condemned the abuse and praised Adeleke for her resilience and talent. Minister for Finance Michael McGrath expressed his support on Twitter, emphasizing that the racists represent only themselves and not the majority of Irish people.
Rhasidat needs to hear loud and clear that these racists are a tiny minority in Ireland & represent no one only themselves. She is an extraordinarily talented and gifted athlete, and more importantly an inspirational role model to girls and boys here. https://t.co/ZELPDdTFEy
— Michael McGrath (@mmcgrathtd) June 15, 2024
Adeleke’s American coach, Edrick Floréal, spoke about the impact of the online comments on Q102’s Weekend Sports Breakfast, revealing that Adeleke had been struggling after the World Athletics Relays and that the negative comments had deeply affected her.
In response to her mother’s concerns about the negativity, Adeleke’s mother encouraged her to focus on the positivity instead. Adeleke’s mother shared her thoughts with the Irish Mail, expressing her worries about the impact of the abuse on her daughter.
Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) issued a strong statement denouncing the racial abuse towards Adeleke and calling for more proactive efforts to promote multiculturalism in Irish society.
Despite the challenges she faces, Adeleke continues to receive overwhelming support as she prepares for the Paris Olympics. The public and official backing she receives serves as a reminder of her importance not only as an athlete but as an inspiration to many.
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