Laois runner O'Connor makes impressive Senior Irish debut with European Games podium

Laois athlete Ava O'Connor made an impressive mark in her first senior competition in an Irish vest by making it to the podium on the track at the European Championships in Poland.

Ava, who hails from Emo but runs for the Tullamore Harriers, ran in the 3,000m Steeplechase for Team Ireland in the Games which are taking place in Kackow.

She put in a superb performance as her time of 10:18.10 saw her finish in third position in what is a relatively new event for her.

O'Connor came into the competition off the back of a strong season in where she registered two PBs at the back end of the US college track season with Adams State University. Both of those personal bests were recorded at the same meet, at the Cougar Athletic Stadium in Azusa, California, back in April. She posted a 4:20.04 in her 1,500m and a 10:07.96 in the 3,000m Steeplechase. 

The former student of Scoil Chríost Rí in Portlaoise spoke after the race.

"The time wasn’t obviously what I was looking for or anything. I suppose at these championships when it’s a team event, the team matters just as much as your individual performance. I went into the race ranked fourth and I ended up finishing one above where I was supposed to come so that’s more points for the team which is fantastic.

"It’s such a huge honour, I’m only 19 and I’m getting my first senior vest so it’s even better when you go out there and really perform for the team to show them you’re up to the standard of being able to put on a senior vest,", O'Connor said.

Her trip to Poland meant she she missed out on a visit to the White House to meet Vice President Kamala Harris. The Adams State women's running team was recently invited to Washington as part of a College Athlete Day.