The clubhouse of Tallaght Athletic Club was packed beyond capacity, eagerly waiting for Rhasidat’s appearance at 7.02 pm. The vibrant red and yellow colours of the club and the Irish green jerseys were everywhere, across an audience of diverse ages and races. In the pandemonium ahead of the race, the speaker was knocked over, leaving them without commentary. However, the absence of the speaker was hardly felt, as the roar of the crowd reverberated through the packed room when Rhasidat Adeleke stepped out for the Olympic women’s 400 metres final.
The spectators, squeezed together as closely as a submarine door, cheered from the moment the race started until the end line. The noise grew thrust upon Adeleke rounding the final bend in third place, and only slightly eased when she was bested to third place by Natalia Kaczmarek from Poland, an outcome reminiscent of the European Championships in June.
Ending in fourth place – as experienced by previous Olympic finalists Eamonn Coghlan and Sonia O’Sullivan – is a challenging position to be in, but for those gathered at Tallaght AC, the sense of anticipation for greater victories in the future for the 21-year-old athlete was compelling. Adeleke could be tasting success as soon as Saturday in the 4 x 400 metres women’s relay final. “She’s got so much more to give,” club treasurer Gary Clarke observed.
The front row seats were held for three generations of the family of Johnny Fox, the coach who first recognised Adeleke’s potential when she joined the club nine years before. Having devoted over five decades of his life to local athletics, Fox passed away at age 84 in April. His wife Gertrude, daughter Carmel Holland, and granddaughter Anne Marie Gorman were among those present.
“It’s overwhelming. I am incredibly proud of her, and of my father. Regardless of the result, we support her unwaveringly, and she’s truly remarkable,” stated Ms Holland.
Rhasidat Adeleke’s rise to stardom has been celebrated by Tallaght Athletic Club, where she began her journey in athletics. Her grandfather was one of the first to see her potential, having faith in her future success as a national champion and Olympian.
As a result of Adeleke’s achievement, the club has experienced an increase in members and reputation. This is expected to boost their efforts to secure Government funding for the improvement of their running track, where Adeleke practised before attending University of Texas.
Understanding the impact Adeleke has had, club member Alan McCabe stated, “Just take a look around – her journey has truly elevated our club’s profile and improved the general morale in Tallaght.”
Club’s secretary, Hazel Hoban, emphasized the historical significance of Adeleke training with Tallaght AC and acknowledged the pride she has instilled in the whole community. “She is an excellent role model for young athletes. The footprints she has left are only going to expand with time,” remarked Hoban.
Another supporter, Yemi Ojo, chair of South Dublin Migrant Integration Forum, displayed her backing for Adeleke by wearing a tricolour tightly wrapped around her. Despite losing her voice by the end of the race, Ojo proudly stated, “I am honoured to be from Tallaght, to be African, and to represent all races. Everyone is here supporting her.”