DUBLIN, Ireland — Record-breaking Irish sprinter and Olympian Rhasidat Adeleke was presented with the prestigious James Joyce Award by University College Dublin’s Literary and Historical Society (L&H).
The award, recognized as one of the highest honors bestowed by a student body, celebrates individuals who have achieved exceptional success and made significant contributions to public and cultural life.
Honouring Track and Field Excellence
Adeleke, 24, has rewritten the record books for Irish athletics. She became the first Irish woman to break the 50-second barrier in the 400m, establishing herself among the premier sprinters on the international stage.
Her historic trajectory has continued across major championships:
- European Championships Success: Adeleke secured silver in the 400m at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome, followed by another historic silver in the 200m at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, where she set a national record time of 22.28 seconds.
- Olympic Impact: Representing Ireland at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Adeleke reached the 400m final, becoming the first Irish woman sprinter in history to contend for an Olympic sprint title.
A Tradition of Distinction
Presented by the L&H Society at UCD’s Student Centre, the James Joyce Award pays homage to UCD’s most famous alumnus. Joyce, author of Ulysses, was an active member of the L&H Society during his time as a student at the university.
In receiving the accolade, Adeleke joins a distinguished roster of previous recipients across literature, public service, sports, and entertainment. Past honorees include Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, filmmaker Danny Boyle, musician Emeli Sandé, actor Will Ferrell, and professional skateboarder Tony Hawk.
UCD Student Sports Centre Picture on Wikimedia By Legiglass
