Kate O'Connor with her parents Michael and Valerie during the Athletics Ireland awards ceremony. World Athletics have recognised Michael O'Connor with Coaching Achievement Award. Photograph: Sam Barnes/SportsfileWorld Athletics have recognised Michael O’Connor with the 2025 Coaching Achievement Award for his role in his daughter Kate’s success when winning four medals from her four championship appearances. The award will be presented in Monaco on Sunday evening, along with the other World Athletics honours for 2025, with O’Connor singled out for his “athlete-centred philosophy” and outstanding commitment to athlete development. Kate made Irish multi-event history this year, becoming just the sixth Irish athlete to win a World Championship medal outdoors with her heptathlon silver in Tokyo in September.

Source: The Irish Times November 29, 2025 19:04 UTC