Rhasidat Adeleke's toughest challenge? Changing how she runs

Analysis: Changing the running technique you've used for years is one of the most difficult things an athlete can do

In a recent interview, Irish sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke talked about how she was currently working on one of the most difficult challenges an athlete can face: changing a well-learned technique. Former world record holder Michael Johnson described the technical issue in a tweet in March 2023: "Look out when she learns to use those arms. She's carrying them instead using them to drive the legs. The difference is significant over 400. Helps increase speed and reduce fatigue."

Adeleke neatly summed up the problem. "When you're trying to develop something that you've never done and change the way you've been running for years, it can be very hard because every single stride you're trying to go back to your old form."

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From RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, Irish sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke on breaking records

Before attempting any change in technique, it is vital to first establish whether there is a genuine technical flaw restricting performance or whether an athlete simply has a unique style. Indeed, Michael Johnson’s own unusual running style frequently sparked discussion: "My coach, Clyde Hart at Baylor, was the only coach while I was being recruited that didn't tell me I would need to change my running style".

Changing technique should not be attempted lightly, as Australian cricket coach Bob Simpson emphasised. "My attitude with the Australian side was don't