With the heat turned high, Rhasidat Adeleke was ice cool

There was less joy for her Irish teammates Sharlene Mawdsley and Sophie Becker, who both fell short of the automatic top-three qualification in their heats.

ICE COOL: Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke ahead of the race on Monday: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

On the biggest stage of her life, with the heat turned high, Rhasidat Adeleke was ice cool.

The 21-year-old Dubliner sauntered to victory in the opening round of the women’s 400m at the Stade de France yesterday, turning in a performance that was as controlled as it was classy, easing down well before the finish and still clocking a swift 50.09.