The summer of 2024 was eventful for the O’Dowda family.

Irish winger Callum O’Dowda continues to recover from a groin injury to ensure he can play a prominent role for Cardiff City this season.

But the 29-year-old and his family also watched the television images with fascination when the versatile full-back’s 24-year-old sister, Jade O’Dowda, took part in the Olympic Games.

Jade O’Dowda – bronze medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games – scored a total of 6,280 points and finished 10th in the women’s heptathlon in Paris.

And her older brother could not hide his joy at his sister’s performance in France after a difficult year for the athlete.

“For the last six months she’s been trying to get to the Olympics and then she got there and competed,” said Cardiff player O’Dowda.

“What people didn’t see is what she had to go through before.

“She managed everything and there was all the stress and pressure to deliver and she did it. I’m so proud of her.”

“She has had quite a journey, from me dragging her to the park to play soccer and run, to her performing on the Olympic stage.

“I wish I could have gone, but it wasn’t possible because of football schedules. But I’m super proud of them.”

“My parents went over to watch her and the whole family was at my house and we were all screaming at the TV.

“She did really well with 10th place, even for her age. Now she can relax a bit and go on holiday.”