Record-breaker Adeleke claims superb silver: 'I never cried so much in my life'

Rhasidat Adeleke produced a stunning late burst of speed to set a new national record behind Britain's Amy Hunt 

ALL SMILES: Rhasidat Adeleke of Ireland celebrates after finishing second with time 22.28 and winning the silver medal in the women's 200m final during day four of the European Athletics Championships 2026 at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Just call her the comeback queen. Only three weeks ago, it seemed unlikely that Rhasidat Adeleke would even make it to Birmingham, such were the series of difficulties that had blighted her season, fleecing her of that natural brilliance.

But now here she was, claiming a European silver medal in such stunning fashion, smashing her own national record over 200m, powering across the line in 22.28 seconds (0.7m/s).