Sprint Opportunities Arise at National Track Championships Due to Rhasidat Adeleke's Non-Participation
The National Track and Field Championships are set to take place at the Morton Stadium in Santry this weekend, with several rising and established stars across disciplines aiming to claim national titles.
In the sprints, Aisling Kelly (UCD AC) is a strong favourite in the women's 100m and 200m events. The indoor sprint double winner this season, Kelly will be looking to continue her impressive form on the outdoor track. On the men's side, Sean Aigboboh (Tallaght AC) is a key competitor, having qualified for the European U23 standard and being part of the record-breaking 4x100m relay team. Craig Duffy (Clonliffe Harriers), with a 10.47s PB this season, and Max O’Reilly (Riverstick Kinsale AC) also figure prominently in the sprint events.
For middle distances, Cormac Dixon (Tallaght AC) and Noah Harris (Parnell AC) are expected to engage in a tactical race in the men’s 1500m. Other notable middle-distance athletes include World Championship candidates Cian McPhillips (800m), Cathal Doyle (1500m), Andrew Coscoran (1500m/5000m), and recent U23 medallists Nicola Tuthill (hammer), Anika Thompson (5000m), and Eimear Maher (1500m).
In the field events, Aoife O’Sullivan (Liscarroll AC) stands out as the favourite in the U23 high jump after a 1.81m PB, and Elizabeth Ndudi (Dundrum South Dublin) is aiming at the U23 long jump title. Conor Callinan (Leevale) shows promising form in pole vault, having recently set multiple personal bests. Paralympian and field event standouts like Eric Favors in shot put are also expected to perform strongly.
Some main attractions, including Rhasidat Adeleke, Sophie O'Sullivan, and Kate O'Connor, will not be participating in the championships. Adeleke, the defending champion in the 100m, has decided to focus on recovery instead of competing. Israel Olatunde and Bori Akinola are expected to compete closely in the 100m event. Mark English may test his raw speed over the 400m, potentially clearing the way for McPhillips to win his first senior outdoor title.
The final of the 100m starts at 6pm on Sunday, while the 100m hurdles is off at 5.10pm. Athletics Ireland will stream live coverage of both days of the National Track and Field Championships on their YouTube Channel. Sarah Lavin, who pulled off a 100m/100m hurdles double in 2023, won't be able to repeat the feat this year due to the schedule of the championships.
Sarah Healy, the three-time 1,500m champion, will defend the 800m title she won last year and plans to test her raw speed outside her comfort zone. Sharlene Mawdsley is likely to move down to the 200m in the championships. Nicola Tuthill will look to win her fourth senior title, having won hammer silver at the World University Games.
Overall, the championships will feature a strong field despite the absence of stars such as Adeleke, O’Sullivan, and O’Connor, with several emerging talents and experienced competitors poised to contend for national titles.
The National Track and Field Championships possess a diverse array of sports, with sprints, middle distances, and field events among the anticipated competitions.
In the absence of prominent athletes like Rhasidat Adeleke, the 100m event may see close competition between Israel Olatunde and Bori Akinola.
