Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) voiced their disapproval over the online racial harassment of Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke, a European Champion sprinter. The group wasn’t surprised yet appalled that one of Ireland’s reputable young athletes, who brought pleasure to the nation at the recent European Athletic Championships in Rome, is a victim of online racial maltreatment.
In a written statement, the organisation, which is committed to eradicating discrimination and promoting sport inclusion, indicated the incident served yet another uncomfortable reminder for lawmakers and Irish sport authorities. This followed after Adeleke’s trainer reported that she was mentally distressed after being hit with online racial attacks after her recent victories.
Adeleke, who clinched gold in the mixed 4x400m relay, silver in the women’s 4x400m relay and individual 400m categories at the European Championships in Rome, is preparing for the Paris Olympics. Unfortunately, her preparations have been marred by online racist abuse, as revealed by her coach, Edrick Floreál.
Floreál, who has trained Adeleke since her transfer to the University of Texas in 2021, spoke on Q102’s Weekend Sports Breakfast. He disclosed her emotional turmoil after absorbing the negative online comments questioning her identity as an Irishwoman. According to Floreál, the comments deeply distressed Adeleke, more than he had expected.
Floreál counselled Adeleke about the rigours that come with her status. He impressed upon her the need to withstand the abuse and continue her preparations for the forthcoming competitions.
Reacting to Floreál’s interview, Taoiseach Simon Harris expressed support for Adeleke. He advised her not to let “online cowards” influence her mindset. In a post on the X platform, Harris celebrated Adeleke as a “world-class champion” and an exemplary individual.
“You’ve managed to inspire our nation greatly this week, particularly our young lads and lasses. You epitomise grace, so don’t let the cyber bullies get the better of you. You are the spirit of Ireland, and our nation couldn’t be prouder,” he expressed. The post, though, has been taken off the platform subsequently.
SARI believes that “institutional Ireland lacks the conviction needed to confront this danger to our societal well-being in a meaningful manner,” the group stated.
The organisation has noticed signs of “growing prejudice and a subtly increasing animosity towards a diversifying Irish society” in the recent past.
The representative from SARI affirmed, “It’s via comprehensive training and education that we can enlighten minds and touch hearts. As experts in this field, SARI recognises the growing requirement for resources. This initiative should originate from the Government but should be supported by all corporates who endorse sports.”
The backlash faced by Adeleke this week is “just a mirror image of the regular struggles of a significant portion of our community.”