Johnny Fox coached the super sprinter and helped her become the record-breaking athlete she is today
Team Ireland has exceeded all expectations at the Paris Olympic Games and it’s fair to say that the whole country will be watching with bated breath to see what happens in the Women’s 400m final on Friday (9 Aug).
Rhasidat Adeleke has already made history as the first Irish female to ever qualify for an Olympic sprint final after finishing 2nd in Heat 1 of the semi-final with a time of 49.95 seconds. The 21-year-old’s Olympic debut has been hugely anticipated but whatever happens, she has already done herself and Ireland proud.
Another person who would be beaming with pride to see how far she has come is her late childhood coach, Johnny Fox.
When Irish Country Magazine met Rhasidat to shoot her side of our current issue’s double cover in Tallaght Athletic Club, Johnny was there on the sidelines. Afterwards, he spoke about his future predictions for the exceptional young runner.
“She came to me when she was 12, and from the first two or three sessions, I knew she had talent, and I knew was going to be number one. I knew she was going to be the best,” he declared.
“If you beat her once, you won’t beat her a second time. She has a great head on her shoulders, too, and a great personality; she always comes to see us, and she’s so good to the kids. Everyone is so proud of her.”
Described as ‘a tireless volunteer and servant to club and national athletics’, Johnny Fox sadly passed away in April of this year. He was dedicated to Tallaght AC and spent most of his life as a motivator and mentor to the young athletes in the club.
Rhasidat’s 400m final race will take place at 7pm and you can view it on RTÉ2 or BBC1. Click here to stay up to date with all of Team Ireland’s Olympic events for the rest of the week.
You can read the full interview with Rhasidat Adeleke by Niamh Devereux in the July|August edition of Irish Country Magazine, on sale now.
