Texas Relays: Despite Rhasidat Adeleke’s Quartet Eclipsing Iconic Team USA Blue’s 4*200 Timing, Why Didn’t It Count as an Official World Record?

Irish sprinting sensation Rhasidat Adeleke is gaining attention for her performance at the Texas Relays. Adeleke’s quartet teammates, Lanae-Tava Thomas, Dina Asher-Smith, and Julien Alfred showcased their dominance in Texas relays on March 30 March in a 4 x 200m event.

Rhasidat Adeleke and her teammate dazzled in the event, breaking the previous world record time. With her exceptional sprinting skills, the Dublin sprinter contributed to the quartet to receive the win in just 1:27.05 which is faster than the current world record timing. However, despite their impressive time, it is not considered an official World Record. This has raised poignant questions among the track and field community.

Not a world record, but a remarkable feat

Athletics Ireland took to its official Twitter handle to cherish the splendid triumph of the sixth Irish national record-holder sprinting star, Rhasidat Adeleke’s team. Along with sharing a vibrant picture of the talented quartet, they captioned the post as “Rhasidat Adeleke’s outdoor season is up and running⚡1:27.05 (4x200m) world best at #TexasRelays 🤘 Dina Asher-Smith➡️Rhasidat Adeleke➡️Lanae Thomas➡️Julien Alfred #IrishAthletics”

As the post mentions Adeleke and her teammates smashed the long-standing world record time of 1:27.46 of the US quartet which they set at an event held in Penn State University back in 2000. Rhasidat Adeleke’s team’s current world record timing is 0.41 seconds faster than the current world record. However, it cannot be considered as a record-setter as all four athletes are not from the same country. Each member of the team must represent the same nation to be qualified for the World Record.

Competing at home track at the University of Texas, the Dublin sprinter gave an impressive performance during the second leg. Britain’s 2019 world champion Asher-Smith started the relay, as she passed the baton to Adeleke. Thomas, the sprinter from Jamaica took charge for the third leg, with Saint Lucia’s world indoor 60m champion Alfred taking over the anchor leg, as she achieved a split time of 20.8 seconds.

The sprinting success story of Adeleke

Adeleke notched the victory in the Texas Relays while competing for the University of Texas at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas. Adeleke had been a scholarship student at the university since 2021, but she left after her senior year to pursue her professional career in the track world. Began her running career at Tallaght Athletic Club, and she got the honor of an invitational spot to compete today.

Adeleke has several accolades to her name. Apart from holding the honor of an Irish national record holder in indoor and outdoor 200m and 400m races. She also left the crowd in awe with her magnificent performance, clinching NCAA championships with Texas University in consecutive years of 2022 and 2023.

Adeleke had missed the World Indoors in Glasgow this month because of a minor ankle injury. However, she has regained her strength back with agility. She is actively preparing for the European Championships in Rome in June, while seeking to compete at the Olympic Games in Paris, particularly in the 400m to achieve her dream.

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