Rhasidat ‘is an inspiration and encouragement to all our young members’ – Tallaght AC

CHAMPION sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke is continuing her stratospheric ascent in world athletics, having won a gold and two silver medals at the European Athletics Championships.

The Tallaght woman has come a long way since she started running in St Mark’s National School in Springfield as a child.

Throughout her adolescence, Rhasidat diligently trained in Tallaght Athletic Club and throughout her career has enjoyed the unerring support of her mother, Adewumi.

Speaking this week after winning silver on Monday, Rhasidat, who is ranked fourth in the world, said: “If you know my mam, she comes to every single meet.

“Ever since I was growing up and doing athletics, she put me first all the time.

Women’s 400m silver medallist Rhasidat Adeleke celebrates with her mother Adewumi Ademola during day four of the 2024 European Athletics Championships at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy

“She would switch shifts at work, she would always take annual leave to come watch my meets, take me everywhere and pay for everything.

“To be able to be here doing what I do and what I love, putting all this work in, I just feel so grateful to her because I definitely wouldn’t be here without her.”

Cecil Johnson, a coach from Tallaght AC, praised Rhasidat’s incredible achievement on the running track at the European Athletics Championships.

“The club coaches, athletes, their families, and indeed the community of Tallaght and beyond were so proud and overjoyed with Rhasidat’s achievements,” he told The Echo.

Tallaght Athletic Club members supporting Rhasidat during her 400m final

“The pivotal role she played when running that superb second leg on the gold medal-winning mixed relay team on Friday night, and to win silver after a titanic battle in the last 50m of the 400m on Monday night was unbelievable.

“I’ve no doubt, there is a lot more to come…in Paris when she will take on the best in the world.

“She is an inspiration and encouragement to all our young members and certainly helped drive them to achieve podium places at the Dublin Championships last weekend where eight of them topped the podium.

“They all aspire to be at her level.

“The late Johnny Fox will be looking down with pride, and as he said, ‘I’m only 5ft 6, but she makes me feel 7ft tall’.”