O'Connor wants to 'enjoy this moment' following gold win

European Champion Kate O'Connor expressed her desire to simply relish the moment after securing a gold medal in the women's heptathlon at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. She acknowledged that winning seven medals across seven championships is an extraordinary achievement, but she often finds herself preoccupied with her next steps and maintaining her momentum.

O'Connor is eagerly anticipating the national anthem being played at the podium and holding the silverware in her hands. During an interview on RTÉ's This Week, she recounted her celebratory night with friends and family, which concluded with a hearty burger, a fitting end to a grueling two days. The pressure leading up to the competition was immense, but she was primarily focused on securing any medal, not specifically a gold.

When her score was announced, she was overjoyed, surrounded by Irish supporters cheering her on. O'Connor emphasized that this was the gold medal she had been aiming for throughout the year, and it feels surreal to compete alongside notable Irish athletes such as Mark English and Sonia O'Sullivan. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed that this season has been enjoyable, and she's been on a streak of medals, but they weren't unexpected.

She dedicated the credit to her rigorous training and the ability to execute despite facing various challenges at each championship. Her father, who doubles as her coach, was ecstatic about her success, feeling immense pressure and pride. She dedicated the medal to her late grandmother, who would have undoubtedly been thrilled.