Ireland’s heptathlon champion describes how recent success changed expectations, how she manages time away from competition, and what she plans next as she eyes the 2028 Olympics.
After winning European and Commonwealth heptathlon golds and a 2025 world silver, O'Connor faces heightened national expectation and is learning to manage the spotlight.
The heptathlon's two-day, seven-event format helps her handle pressure because one error doesn't decide the outcome.
A short trip to Los Angeles is intended to familiarise her with the 2028 Olympic host city and to sharpen her Olympic ambitions.
5.42pm, 21 Sep 2026 Share options Copy link Email Facebook X A THOUGHT OCCURRED to Kate O'Connor as she watched Katie Taylor fight in Croke Park: it's possible for an Irish female athlete to be the best in the world. It was just good timing that Taylor's grand finale in professional boxing happened to coincide with O'Connor's off-season. She was attending as a fan, enjoying that brief window of freedom where she can do as she pleases before the hard work resumes.
"I crave that structure back, which I think is so important halfway through an Olympic cycle because it can be very intense. That was probably a time when I had a ton of pressure on myself because I wanted to win. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem:
She was there to switch off, but watching Taylor made her dream. "It'll probably light the fire in me," she says. Maybe top the podium." An ambition that few could argue with.
I can be happy with my marks until I see someone who scored higher. I can feel proud of something I did until I see someone doing it better. Nothing about what I achieved has changed, but suddenly it feels smaller. I used to think this was jealousy. But maybe it is not always jealousy. Maybe it is comparison. I compare
Personal Perspective: We all need worthy work, but not at the expense of those we truly love.
I don’t want to be unknown to my friends. Instead, I want being known to leave a little space for correction. The post I Don’t Always Want To Be Who My Friends Expect Me To Be appeared first on Unwritten .
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