Rhasidat Adeleke: 'I just wanted to see where I could relax, shut down'

The 21-year-old  advances to Wednesday’s semi-finals, clocking 50.09 in her 400m heat.

OUT ON HER OWN: Rhasidat Adeleke on her way to winning the women's 400m round 1 at the Stade de France. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

She’d been building to this moment for years, but in front of packed stands at the Stade de France and on a scorching morning in Paris, Rhasidat Adeleke was ice cool, looking entirely at home in her Olympic debut.

The 21-year-old Dubliner sauntered to victory in her 400m heat, turning in a performance that was as controlled as it was classy, easing down well before the finish to clock a swift 50.09.