All eyes will be on Rhasidat Adeleke this Saturday as she makes her long-awaited return to competition at the Don Kirby Elite Invitational in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The Tallaght sprinter lines up in the women’s indoor 60 metres, a distance we haven’t seen her race regularly in recent seasons, and she is the second fastest on paper in the field. On ability alone, it is well within her reach to open her season with a statement performance.
Adeleke has become one of the leading figures in Irish athletics over the past number of years, rewriting record books from 60 metres indoors through to 400 metres outdoors. But last year proved frustrating. A series of Diamond League outings did not quite produce the level she had previously set for herself, and as the outdoor season progressed it became clear that things were not fully clicking.
Behind the scenes, injuries played their part. Her 2025 outdoor campaign ultimately ended in disappointment when she withdrew from the World Athletics Championships, prioritising recovery and long-term health over forcing her way onto the global stage. It was a sensible call, even if it was a tough one.
Now, refreshed and back on the start list, the 60 metres offers a sharp, explosive return to action. A clean race and a competitive time would mark an encouraging first step in what she will hope is a far smoother year.
Will It Be Streamed?
Yes, the meeting is being streamed live. However, coverage is behind the FloTrack paywall, which costs around $30 per month. For those already following the NCAA circuit, a subscription may make sense, but for many casual viewers it may be difficult to justify paying roughly €25 for a single meeting.
Either way, Irish fans will be watching closely from afar. We wish her every success as she gets her season under way.