‘That’s where it all began’ – Tallaght primary school ‘proud’ of past pupil Rhasidat Adeleke after teachers spotted talent for athletics

The 21-year-old won a European silver medal at the European Championships on Monday night.

The Irish sprinter and holder of seven Irish national records was a student at St Mark’s Junior School in Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin.

Her fifth and sixth class teacher, Maeve Cashin, told RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland that Adeleke always had an interest in sport.

Interview with Rhasidat Adeleke after winning Silver in 400m at European Championships

“Rashidat was a joy to teach. I must say, she was always so hard-working. So focused, not just with sport, but in every aspect of school.

“She got on really well with all the pupils in her class, with teachers and just had a really kind, bubbly personality. Just a joy and a pleasure to have in the class,” she said.

The Dubliner delivered an Irish 400m record, finishing with 49.07 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

She came second to Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek, who clocked a Polish record of 48.98.

The bronze medal went to Lieke Klaver of the Netherlands in 50.08, while Tipperary native Sharlene Mawdsley finished eighth in 51.59.

Adeleke has been running since she was 12 after her talent was spotted by her primary school teacher.

“She played GAA, she played basketball, but it was in fourth class where her talent with athletics was spotted,” Ms Cashin said.

“And it was by a previous colleague of ours Deirdre, or D, as we call her, she spotted her talent with athletics, and she’s the one who really introduced her to running and hurdles and so on.

“And that’s where it all began.”

Adeleke’s blooming career in sports has created a “buzz” among the staff and students in Tallaght.

“We are so incredibly proud of Rhasidat and we knew when she left here 10 years ago that we wouldn’t see the last of her.

“We could see that she had potential and that we would see her on some kind of platform when it came to athletics.

“It’s created such a buzz in the school, and in Tallaght, in Springfield in general.

“We’re just so excited to see where things go,” she said.

Last Friday, Rhasidat Adeleke won a gold medal in mixed 4 x 400m relay, alongside Chris O’Donnell, Thomas Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley.