Inside Track: Ecstatic Kate upgrades to silver at World Championships

The smile Kate O’Connor had for Democrat photographer, Arthur Kinahan, on her arrival at the club, St Gerard’s Club – where her athletics career had begun – was infectious.

She had just won bronze at the European Indoor Championships, and was delighted to be greeted by dozens of club members. Alongside was her father and coach, Michael.

Less than a fortnight later, smiles have turned to ecstasy, and with very good reason. The Dundalk girl has upgraded to silver, relegating highly-rated American, Taliyah Brooks, to third in the gruelling 5-event pentathlon at the World Indoor Championships, in China. The gold went to Finland’s Sage Vanninen

READ MORE: Inside Track: Greyhound racing has brought pleasure to countless thousands over the years

This was a phenomenal performance, better than anything she had previously achieved. Her success was the first for this country in 19 years at the Worlds, and also a first ever for an Irish athlete in a multi-event, indoor or outdoor.

That there’s more to come is in little doubt. Her attention will now focus on the outdoors, which won’t be foreign territory to her. Last summer she competed in the Paris Olympics with a lot of distinction, having previously done enough in qualifying events to merit selection.

Now she has medalled at two major championships and bettered her best-ever performances in a multiple of her disciplines. That’s progress on a significant scale .

Summer events on the field are now exercising the 24-year-old’s mind, the priority probably being the World Championships in Japan in September.

Further down the line are the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. If staying injury-free, she should be travelling to America, aiming for a prize even bigger than those she’s won in recent weeks.

By then she is hoping to have successfully completed her Master’s degree, and, as she told another of this paper’s sports team, Anthony Bravender, secured sponsorship.

Full-time training doesn’t allow athletes to earn a living. Giving the level of commitment required to be able to compete with the world’s best financial backing is essential.

The opportunity shouldn’t be missed by local or national businesses.