Taoiseach Simon Harris rallies behind Rhasidat Adeleke as she faces online abuse

In the wake of online abuse targeted at emerging sprint star Rhasidat Adeleke, Taoiseach Simon Harris has offered his support, encouraging her to disregard the haters. Adeleke, from Tallaght, proved herself as one of the brightest prospects in the sporting world after bagging three medals at this week’s European Championship.

A smashing performance saw the 21 year old clinch gold in the mixed 4x400m relay, silver in the women’s 4x400m relay and another silver in the individual 400m, reports the Irish Mirror. Yet despite these successes, she was left in tears by harsh comments on social media, as revealed by her American coach Edrick Floreal on Q102s Weekend Sports Breakfast.

Eager to offer his consolation, the Taoiseach took to Twitter and penned: “Rhasidat Adeleke is not only a world-class champion, she is a world-class person. You have inspired a nation this week, especially young girls and boys.

“You are class, so please do not let online cowards bring you down. You are Ireland and Ireland could not be more proud of you.”

Already holding six national records under her belt, Adeleke is definitely someone to watch out for in the imminent Paris Olympics.

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