Kate O’Connor’s rise has been shaped not only by medals, but also by how she responded when things did not go to plan. The Irish multi-event athlete has revealed that honest advice from her partner, footballer Georgie Kelly, helped her rethink her approach after a difficult Olympic experience and build the confidence that has driven her recent success.
Kate O’Connor’s Olympic setback became a turning point
O’Connor finished 14th in the women’s heptathlon at the Paris Olympics in 2024. For an athlete who had set high expectations for herself, the result was a painful disappointment.
Rather than allowing that performance to define her, the Louth athlete used it as a chance to examine how she prepared, competed and dealt with pressure. The changes that followed helped produce one of the strongest periods of her career.
Since Paris, O’Connor has collected major medals across European, Commonwealth, world indoor and world outdoor competition. Her progress has made her one of the most compelling names in athletics Ireland and a leading figure in Irish sports.
The advice from Georgie Kelly that changed her outlook
Kelly, a Donegal footballer who has made his name in the League of Ireland before moving to English football with Carlisle United, understands the demands of elite sport from his own experience.
The couple have been able to compare their routines and perspectives, despite having very different sporting personalities. O’Connor described herself as intensely competitive, while Kelly has shown her that competition does not have to dominate every moment.
One of the most valuable lessons was that it is acceptable to take part in a game without needing to win it. For an athlete accustomed to measuring progress through results, that change in mindset was not easy. It did, however, help her separate enjoyment, recovery and personal development from the pressure to be perfect.
Kelly also offered practical observations after seeing how deeply the Olympic result had affected her. O’Connor said his advice was different from the technical guidance she would normally receive from a coach, and that made it especially influential.
His contribution was not about changing one event or correcting one movement. It was about helping her become better equipped to handle the wider demands of elite competition.
A partnership built on honesty
The relationship has given both athletes a trusted sounding board. O’Connor has acknowledged that they learn from each other, with her competitive edge influencing Kelly while his ability to switch off has broadened her own perspective.
That balance can be crucial in high-performance sport. Training plans and technical detail matter, but so do recovery, emotional control and the ability to keep setbacks in proportion.
A remarkable run of success for the Irish athlete
O’Connor’s results since Paris underline the impact of that reset. She has won European, Commonwealth and World Student titles, while also claiming silver at world indoor and outdoor level.
The 2026 season added further momentum. A bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships in China was followed by Commonwealth Games gold and a European Championships title. The run has strengthened her position among Ireland’s leading athletes and added fresh interest to the country’s athletics results and sports headlines.
After such a demanding campaign, O’Connor took time away from competition and attended events including Electric Picnic and London Fashion Week. That downtime was part of maintaining balance after a schedule filled with travel, training and major championships.
Katie Taylor’s Croke Park moment offered fresh inspiration
O’Connor was also in the crowd for Katie Taylor’s major bout at Croke Park. The scale of the occasion, and the support for a leading Irish sportswoman, left a strong impression on her.
For O’Connor, the event showed what can happen when women’s sport receives a national stage and sustained public backing. Taylor’s competitiveness, work ethic and willingness to embrace the spotlight have inspired athletes across Ireland, including the next generation watching from the stands and at home.
The occasion also reflected the growing profile of women’s sport in Ireland, from athletics and boxing to camogie, ladies GAA and other community pathways. O’Connor’s own achievements are part of that wider change.
What comes next for Kate O’Connor?
The target now is clear: redemption at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The disappointment of Paris remains part of her story, but it no longer appears to be a burden. Instead, it has become a reference point for the work still to come.
With major championship experience, renewed confidence and a support network that includes Kelly, O’Connor enters the next Olympic cycle with valuable lessons already learned.
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Key takeaway
Kate O’Connor’s story shows how an Olympic setback can become a foundation for progress. Her medals have followed hard work, but also a willingness to listen, adapt and find balance. The next major chapter will be her pursuit of Olympic redemption in Los Angeles in 2028.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
