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Kate O’Connor’s dreams have come true as she won gold in the women’s heptathlon at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
She took home silver at last year’s World Championships. However, this time around she was aiming for the top step of the podium.
The 25-year-old finished the final event, the 800m race, in third place in a time of 2:11.74.
“European champion!!! A pinch me moment. A title that will last a life time. An honour to represent the Emerald Isle,” Kate wrote on social media.
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She was immediately met with sweet messages from her followers.
Greg O’Shea commented: “Champ.”
“Congratulations … so amazing,” Dearbhla Mescal said.
“Champpppp,” Katie McCabe added.
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Kate is the third Irish woman to win a gold medal at the European Athletics Championship following in the footsteps of Sonia O’Sullivan and Ciara Mageean.
This is the third medal for Ireland at this year’s Championships. Mark English was awarded a gold at the 800M race and Rhasidat Adeleke’s silver in the 200M race.
She finished the race in 22.28 marking a new national record.
Congratulations to all the Irish athletes at this year’s championships.