Paris, August 10, 2024, The Europe Today: Ireland’s Kate O’Connor expressed her delight following her Olympic debut in the heptathlon, where she finished 14th, just shy of her own Irish record. The 23-year-old athlete, who previously won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games for Northern Ireland, described the experience as one that has “lit a fire” in her to push for greater achievements.
O’Connor’s performance in Paris saw her gradually climb the rankings after a slow start in the 100-meter hurdles. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the inevitable highs and lows but took pride in her resilience.
“I think I’ve proved to everyone out there that I can keep coming back and keep coming back,” O’Connor said, noting the challenges she faced during a long year marked by injuries. “I’m ready for a break, but it has lit a fire in me to really work hard now for next year and come back for the World Championships.”
Despite her solid showing, O’Connor expressed a desire to improve her standings in future competitions. “I’m sick of finishing in 13th and 14th,” she remarked. “To be 14th in my first Olympics – I came in ranked 24th so I really can’t complain. But I want to break into that top 12 or top 10, and then keep progressing even higher than that.”
The heptathlete found the experience of competing at the Olympics, particularly against established stars, to be surreal. After completing the seventh and final event, the 800 meters, O’Connor took a lap around the Stade de France, soaking in the atmosphere and connecting with fellow competitors.
“It was amazing to see the Irish support, friends, and family in the crowd,” she said. “That’s one of the beautiful things about multi-eventing. You have that time to go around and appreciate all the fans coming and supporting.”
O’Connor shared a special moment with Team GB’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson, a role model she had watched on television as a child. “Competing against people you watched on TV when you were a child is pretty surreal, but I want to keep pushing up the ranks to be like that,” O’Connor said, admitting she still feels “a little bit starstruck” around the British star.
“She is such a lovely person, she really is. She looks out for me, and for Jade [O’Dowda, Johnson-Thompson’s GB team-mate]. She is just a really good role model,” O’Connor added.
With her Olympic debut now behind her, O’Connor is determined to build on her experience and continue her ascent in the world of athletics, with her sights set on breaking into the top ranks at future competitions.
