Kate O’Connor: European bronze medallist ‘ecstatic’ with unexpected third place
Despite his outstanding performance in the Netherlands, O’Connor is still entering the 800-meter medal outside.
The new-born athlete won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Northern Ireland in 2022, and he had a storm to win the game, while Edge O’Dowda ranked third overall.
O’Dowda, a former training partner at O’Connor, said they had a conversation before 800m and they would be “whatever happens, friends.”
O’Connor set a new Ireland record in 4781, surpassing her own 98 points as she won a bronze medal and later lagged behind Finnish legend Vaninin (4922) and Dutch athlete Sofie Doktor (4826).
“Honestly, no,” O’Connor said when asked if she expected to win a medal.
“I was a little upset after the long jump. I did four world-class shows, but I was still lagging behind. I know all these girls’ 800s were great.
“I have a plan to do my best and try not to let myself down.
“It’s crazy. Four girls with such scores are incredible. So being part of the medal is a surprising part, even better.
“I want us to push each other. The World Championship is coming, so we’ll see what happens to them.”
