Locals in Tallaght have celebrated Rhasidat Adeleke finishing fourth in the Olympics 400m – reassuring her “there’s always next time”. 

People gathered in Tallaght Athletics Club last night to watch its alumni become the first Irish women to compete in an Olympic sprint final. 

Ms Adeleke was not, unfortunately, the first Irish woman to win a medal in the 400m, finishing just three-tenths of a second off the bronze medal position, which European champion Natalia Kaczmarek took. 

Ms Adeleke said she was “definitely disappointed” by the result – but “it’s just part of the game”. 

“It’s all about showing up on the day,” she said. “Today just wasn’t my day.” 

Rhasidat Adeleke finishes fourth in the Women's 400m Final at the Stade de France on the fourteenth day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France, 09/08/2024. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Back in Tallaght, locals were celebrating Ms Adeleke – win or lose. 

Tallaght Athletics Club Chair Derek Quinn said everyone was “proud” of Ms Adeleke following her run. 

“She did her best,” he said. “Tallaght has an Olympian in our club. 

“What can you say? There’s always next time. 

“She did pretty well for the whole of the race – obviously, she was up against it. 

“We’re happy for her.” 

Supporters of Team Ireland athlete Rhasidat Adeleke, attending a watch party ahead of her taking part in the Women's 400m final at Tallaght Athletics Club, 09/08/2024. Image: PA Images/Alamy

Andree, a friend of Rhasidat, said she “can’t believe she’s made it this far”. 

“I mean we all knew, it was expected,” she said. “And we know that she’s going to keep pushing and going far,” she said. 

“I'm so happy, and I'm so grateful to have the privilege of knowing her. 

“All I could think was ‘Go, Rhasidat’ - I was giving her all my energy.” 

Pride fills the air in Tallaght Athletic Club as 21-year-old Rhasidat comes fourth. pic.twitter.com/exSUFJ9BMT

— Josh Crosbie (@JoshCrosbie3) August 9, 2024

Tallaght Athletics Club member Kirsty McCabe is 13 years old – and she said Ms Adeleke’s Olympic performance is an inspiration to her and other members. 

“It's great to have someone local and the first be [to compete] in the Olympics,” she said. 

“No matter how hard it might seem, with loads of hard work you never know where you end and it all pays for.” 

Ms Adeleke will run second in the 4x400m relay tonight at 8pm. 

She will be running with Sophie Becker, Phil Healy and Sharlene Mawdsley.