Dundalk's Kate O'Connor wins gold at World University Games
The 24-year-old heptathlete sets new national record in Germany
Dundalk’s Kate O’Connor delivered a sensational performance on the world stage this week to claim Ireland’s first medal at the FISU World University Games in Bochum, Germany, and what a medal it was.
The 24-year-old multi-eventer not only brought home gold in the heptathlon, but did so in commanding fashion, finishing inside the top three in each of the seven events.
Her consistency and dominance left no doubt as she built a commanding lead heading into the final discipline. By the time the 800m came around, O’Connor had already done more than enough to secure top spot on the podium.
But instead of easing off, the Louth athlete attacked the race from the outset. She stayed hot on the heels of Poland’s Edyta Bielska through a blistering opening lap and powered through the finish in a lifetime best of 2:10.46, good for 958 points.
That effort sealed a remarkable overall score of 6487, smashing her own Irish record by 190 points.