Athletics Ireland is delighted to announce that Michael O’Connor, personal coach to world-silver medallist Kate O’Connor, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 World Athletics Coaching Achievement Award.
Following his nomination by Athletics Ireland, Michael was selected by the World Athletics jury in recognition of his outstanding achievements and lifelong commitment to developing, encouraging, and strengthening coaching at all levels in athletics. With over 20 years of experience, Michael has built a distinguished career as the lead coach in heptathlon and pentathlon, guiding athletes to the highest echelons of international sport.
A highlight of Michael’s coaching journey has been his work with his daughter Kate O’Connor, whom he has coached to a remarkable series of achievements in 2025:
- Silver Medal, Heptathlon, World Championships, Tokyo
- Gold Medal, Heptathlon, World University Games, Germany
- Silver Medal, Pentathlon, World Indoor Championships, China
- Bronze Medal, Pentathlon, European Indoor Championships, Holland
- World Ranking No. 2 in both Heptathlon and Pentathlon
- Multiple national records
Upon receiving the award, Michael O’Connor said: “I am truly surprised and deeply grateful to receive this honour. My coaching journey has taken many twists and turns, and I’ve been fortunate to be supported along the way by many exceptional coaches and practitioners – many of whom I’m privileged to still work alongside today. Their expertise, dedication, and unwavering belief continue to shape and elevate the work we do every day.
It has been a privilege and a joy to coach Kate and to witness her achieve extraordinary things over the past years. I am humbled by this recognition and profoundly thankful to my current coaching and support network, whose commitment makes achievements like this possible, and to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
Brid Golden, President of Athletics Ireland, commented: “I wish to congratulate Michael O’Connor on being awarded the World Athletics Coaching Achievement Award. This is wonderful and richly deserved recognition for his exceptional work guiding Kate to a remarkable year – European Indoor Pentathlon bronze, World Indoor Pentathlon silver, World University Games Heptathlon gold, and World Championship Heptathlon silver. This honour is not only a testament to Michael’s world-class expertise and dedication, but also a proud moment for Ireland, highlighting the exceptional coaching talent and commitment that continues to elevate Irish athletics on the global stage.”
