Rhasidat Adeleke Withdraws from Monaco Diamond League Following Difficult Eugene Return

Rhasidat Adeleke has withdrawn from Friday night's Monaco Diamond League meeting, less than a week after a difficult return to competition at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene.

The Irish record holder had been due to contest the women's 400 metres in Monaco but has now been removed from the start list, with Dutch athlete Lieke Klaver named as her replacement.

The news comes after the Euo silver medalist finished last in 52.26 at the Prefontaine Classic, her first major international appearance since another injury interrupted spell earlier this season.

Competing from lane three, Adeleke held a competitive position through the opening half of the race before losing contact with the leading group around the final bend. She faded sharply over the closing stages to finish ninth in a race won by Jamaica's Dejanei Oakley in 49.64.

Following the race, attention had immediately turned to Monaco, where Adeleke had been expected to continue rebuilding race sharpness after an injury hit 12 months that has been disrupted by repeated hamstring problems, as well as groin and knee issues during the 2025 season.

Instead, her withdrawal raises fresh uncertainty over the immediate direction of her campaign.

It also deals another blow to her hopes of qualifying for next month's European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. With the qualification window closing on July 26th, Adeleke faces a fast closing window to qualify for the competition.