Rhasidat Adeleke Set for Swiss 200m Return Tomorrow

Rhasidat Adeleke is set to make her European outdoor debut of the season tomorrow evening when she lines up in the women's 200 metres at the Spitzen Leichtathletik Luzern meeting in Switzerland.

The Irish record holder returns to action just days after withdrawing from the Monaco Diamond League, with the Luzern meeting offering what could prove to be one of her final opportunities to strengthen her case for next month's European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

It has been a frustrating 12 months for the Euro 2024 medallist.

Adeleke's 2025 campaign was heavily disrupted by repeated hamstring injuries, along with groin and knee problems, ultimately forcing her to withdraw from the World Athletics Championships. While there were encouraging signs during the indoor season earlier this year, another hamstring setback delayed her return to outdoor competition.

She eventually returned to racing at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene last weekend but endured a difficult outing, finishing ninth in 52.26 over 400 metres after fading over the closing stages of the race.

Her scheduled appearance at the Monaco Diamond League was then cut short before it began, with Adeleke withdrawing from the meeting and being replaced by Dutch athlete Bieke Klaver. No reason was given for her withdrawal.

Dropping Down to 200 Metres

Rather than returning to the 400 metres, Adeleke will instead contest the shorter sprint in Luzern as she continues her build back towards full fitness.

The switch could also prove a sensible one after her return in Eugene. Adeleke remained in contact with the field through the opening half of the race before fading over the closing stages, suggesting the shorter distance may provide a better platform as she continues to rebuild race sharpness following another injury interrupted spell.

The move also comes at a crucial stage of the season.

While Adeleke has already achieved the B standard for the European Athletics Championships over 200 metres with her 22.86 earlier this year, she remains outside the World Athletics rankings needed to strengthen her qualification prospects. The automatic qualifying standard over 400 metres is 51.20, a mark well within her capabilities at her best, with the Irish record standing at 49.07.

With the qualification window closing on 26 July, leaving just 11 days after Wednesday's meeting, there is now little room for error if Adeleke is to secure an individual place in Birmingham.

Two Chances Remaining

Luzern is unlikely to be Adeleke's final opportunity before the qualification deadline.

She is also entered for Saturday's KBC Night of Athletics meeting in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium, where she is expected to return to the 400 metres. The two meetings represent her final scheduled opportunities to improve her qualification prospects before the window closes.

A strong performance in Switzerland would not only provide a welcome confidence boost after a difficult return in Eugene but could also prove significant in keeping her Birmingham hopes alive.