Rhasidat Adeleke 'denied' Irish legendary status amid claims she's of African origin

Talented Irish speedster Rhasidat Adeleke has been denied legendary status by some fans, who profess she isn't worthy of such title because of her African origin.

Born in Dublin to Nigerian parents Ade and Prince Adeleke, the world-class sprinter became a speed sensation as a 14-year-old after winning the junior sprint double at the Irish Schools championships for Presentation College. 

A month later, she officially donned the country's colours as she claimed 200m silver medal at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Győr, Hungary. 

Ever since her discovery, Adeleke has attained several milestones at junior level, which includes becoming the 2021 European U20 double sprint champion. 

Also, she became the first Irish woman to break the 50-second barrier in the 400m and holds six National Records (60m, 200m indoors and outdoors, 300m indoors, and 400m indoors and outdoors).

Adeleke lowered her 400m NR to win the 2023 NCAA title in a blistering 49.20s, in addition at the World Championships in Budapest, she finished fourth in the women's 400m final - the highest position for an Irish woman in the championship history.

All these and many more have earned the 21-year-old the right to be called the greatest sprinter in Irish athletics. Unfortunately, some fans believe she's not worthy to be given such iconic status simply because she's of African ancestry.

The racial outburst started after Adeleke's jaw-dropping victory over a star-studded field at the Texas Invitational in an impressive 10.84s (+3.5m/s). A passionate Irish fan will quote her success with "Rhasidat Adeleke is an Irish legend. So proud."

His statement didn't sit well with some fans, making known their displeasure of the 'legendary status' because she isn't fully Irish.

"Yeah, and some freckled ginger is African," a fan commented under the post.

"That doesn't look Irish to me," wrote @Resident_chow.

"Some of y’all don’t know the difference between nationality and ethnicity and it’s sad."

"That person is not Irish. But you already knew that," said @BeenGroyped. 

"True Irish girl. What don’t these racists understand. You have to be born in Ireland to be Irish. Being Irish is not an ethnicity, it’s not a race, it’s an accent and it’s where you were born. The Gallagher brothers are English not Irish," wrote @12thavatar

More reactions in solidarity with Adeleke below.

Adeleke will be gunning to have a memorable first full Olympic season and medal in one of her main events in Paris.