Olympic legend Michael Johnson sees big things in the future of Irish track sensation Rhasidat Adeleke.
The Tallaght star has had a sensational start to 2023 on the American collegiate scene with Texas University. In a matter of months, she has set National Records in the 200m and twice in 21 days in the 400m.
The youngster cruised into the NCAA 400m finals on Friday evening with a time of 50.79. Adeleke finished in second place in her heat, although she appeared to be conserving energy over the last 100m.
Adeleke has been in sterling form this year and has earned plenty of admirers for her record-breaking displays. One such fan is four-time American Olympic Gold medallist Michael Johnson, who feels the 20-year-old is only a minor technical adjustment away from being a true force to be reckoned with.
Commenting on her showing in the NCAA semi-final heats, Johnson wrote: "Look out when she learns to use those arms. She’s carrying them instead using them to drive the legs.
"The difference is significant over 400. Helps increase speed and reduce fatigue."
Since the turn of the year, the Tallaght AC sensation has been in electric form. At the end of February, she ran a time of 50.33 to beat the 400m National record, a record which she had only set just three weeks earlier.
That time was the second fastest in the World so far this year and is the 13th quickest time in history.
Adeleke will be one of the favourites when she takes to the track in the finals at 11.20pm Irish time on Saturday evening.
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