At the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Rhasidat Adeleke qualified automatically for the women's 400-meter final but fellow countrywoman Sharlene Mawdsley withdrew at the halfway point.

After winning her heat on Sunday with a timing of 50.80 and posting another sub-50 time in her semifinal to finish in second place behind Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, Adeleke easily advanced to the semifinals.

Running from lane five, the Tallaght native seemed to relax into the race until stepping up the speed as she approached the finish line and fended off Cynthia Bolingo's attempt for the second automatic qualifying berth.

In the last year, Adeleke has shaved over a second and a half off the 400-meter Irish record. She enters Wednesday's final (8.35pm) as a serious medal candidate.

The 20-year-old admits to being a touch too cautious in the early going in an interview with RTE following the race.

She said, “I was probably too at ease for the first 200 metres.” I must begin employing my 200-metre speed.

“I had to work too hard in my last 200, but I'll use that in the next race,” the runner said.