Ireland’s athletics success at the 32nd World University Games in Germany has continued, with hammer thrower Nicola Tuthill (UCD AC) securing a brilliant silver medal — just days after Kate O’Connor’s gold in the heptathlon.

Tuthill delivered an outstanding final throw of 69.98m to confirm her second place finish behind gold medallist Zhao Jie (CHN) who threw 72.80m. Speaking after the event, Tuthill stated how she found her rhythm as the rounds progressed, adding another prestigious international medal to her growing collection following her silver medal at the European U23 Championships just last week.

“I’m delighted — it’s my first medal on the world stage”, said Tuthill after the final. “And to come off winning silver at the U23 European Championships last week, it’s very special. It was somewhat of a stressful competition because some of my first throws were some of the worst I’ve had all season, and my last five competitions have all been over 70 meters, so I was glad to see it slowly improve in the final — and thank God it did.”

• Tuthill’s Throw Summary: 66.29 – X – 66.03 – 67.80 – 68.46 – 𝟔𝟗.𝟗𝟖

Tuthill’s silver adds to Ireland’s proud athletics history at the World University Games, joining a list of medallists that includes athletics greats like Sonia O’Sullivan, Ronnie Delany, and Thomas Barr.

The medals secured at the World University Games continue the momentum of what has been a remarkable two weeks for Irish athletics, with ELEVEN international medals returning home across the World University Games (Gold & Silver), European U23 Championships (Gold, Silver x 2, Bronze x2), and European Youth Olympics (Bronze x 4).

World University Games Medals (Athletics)

• 1930 400m Patrick C Moore BRONZE 50.0
• 1961 800m Ronnie Delany GOLD 1.51.1
• 1961 Hammer John Lawlor BRONZE 63.33m
• 1991 1500m Niall Bruton GOLD 3.50.69
• 1991 1500m Sonia O’Sullivan GOLD 4.12.14
• 1991 3,000m Sonia O’Sullivan SILVER 8.56.35
• 1993 Discus Nick Sweeney BRONZE 62.52m
• 2001 1500m Gareth Turnbull SILVER 3.44.21
• 2003 200m Paul Hession SILVER 20.89 (-0.7)
• 2005 200m Paul Hession BRONZE 21.02 (+1.1)
• 2005 100m Ailis McSweeney SILVER 11.68 (+1.1)
• 2005 5,000m Jolene Byrne BRONZE 15.56.01
• 2005 100m Hurdles Derval O’Rourke BRONZE 13.02 (+0.5)
• 2005 4x100m Team BRONZE 44.49
• 2007 Hammer Eileen O’Keeffe SILVER 68.46m
• 2015 400m Hurdles Thomas Barr GOLD 48.78
• 2019 200m Marcus Lawler BRONZE 20.55 (0.5)
• 2025 Heptathlon Kate O’Connor GOLD 6487 NR
• 2025 Hammer Nicola Tuthill SILVER 𝟔𝟗.𝟗𝟖