Laois athlete hails ‘proudest achievement’ after record-breaking runs in California

Mountmellick’s Ava O’Connor has etched her name into Irish athletics history in recent weeks with remarkable performances at the Bryan Clay Invitational in California, where she shattered the Irish U23 3000m steeplechase record.

Her time of 9:46.22 not only eclipsed the previous mark by over three seconds but also ended a long-standing record held by Fionnuala McCormack since 2006. Not only did O’Connor break the national record, but a few days later she also broke her club’s, Tullamore Harriers, 1500m record, held by Ann Marie Larkin McGlynn since 2001.

A few weeks on from those incredible performances, Ava O’Connor took time out to talk to the Leinster Express/ Laois Live and reflect on both races, how proud she is, and what she is targeting next.

Speaking about her preparation coming into the steeplechase race, O’Connor felt confident, even though she hadn't competed at sea level very often.

"Coming into the steeplechase, I was feeling really focused. I’d put in a very solid block of training leading up to it, so I knew I was in good shape. There were nerves, of course, but I suppose if I wasn't nervous, something would be wrong. My coach Damon Martin and I had been targeting this race for a while to achieve the European U23 Standard and a National Record, as I train at altitude, I don’t travel to sea level that often, so it was very important to me that I executed the race plan as I probably won’t be running at sea level for another while."

O’Connor had a strong feeling as she crossed the finish line that she may have broken McCormack’s record, a moment that will always stay with her.

"Honestly, I had a good feeling I broke it, but I wasn’t sure until I saw the time flash up. The pacing lights were going at 9.30, but the leading pack looked to be anywhere from 3–5 seconds off it, and I wasn’t too far behind those leaders, so I kind of guessed at the bell lap if I could close hard, I’d run something good. It’s kind of mad to think about, to be honest. The record was previously held by Fionnuala McCormack, who’s an incredible athlete and someone I’ve always admired. She’s a five-time Olympian and one of Ireland’s most respected distance runners, so to now hold a record that belonged to her for 19 years is surreal. I’d definitely say it’s my proudest achievement so far, it’s a milestone I’ll never forget."

Remarkably, just days after her steeplechase heroics, more records tumbled for O’Connor. She smashed her personal best in the 1500m and, in doing so, broke the club record that had stood since 2001.

Speaking about that race, O’Connor admitted she felt strong both physically and mentally, and although nervous, it was a huge honour to surpass McGlynn’s record.

"I was honestly feeling pretty good both physically and mentally. I raced the steeple on the Wednesday night and the 1500 on Friday, so it was nice to have a day in between to relax and recover. I was a little nervous because my PB was 4.20 and I was racing girls with PBs of 4.12–4.14, so honestly, the race plan was to go out and sit in the back and each lap try to pick off someone and really turn on the gears with 400 to go. Surprisingly, at the end of the race, I felt like I had a little bit more in the tank, so I guess that’s a good sign. I’m excited to run a 1500 fresh.

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"It’s a huge honour to break a record held by someone like Ann-Marie. She’s a fantastic athlete from the 800 right up to the marathon. I did believe I’d break her record, but I was honestly surprised to break it after a steeple race. So, to have done it with a previous race in my legs gives me great confidence going forward."

Having time to reflect on her achievements, O’Connor admitted that the steeplechase record will stay close to her heart. She paid tribute to everyone who has supported her, noting the hard work behind the achievement, but still took pride in her 1500m success too.

"The national steeplechase record definitely holds a special place in my heart because it symbolises so much more than just a fast race. That moment was the product of hard work, not just from me, but from my family, my coaches Damon Martin and Damian Lawlor, my club Tullamore Harriers and my Osteopath Darren Conroy, and also my very first athletic club Emo/Rath AC where my passion for running first began. When I’m home in the summer, I still run in Emo most days around the GAA field and of course the fabulous Emo Court and woods. Everyone played a role in getting me to that point, and breaking that record felt like a shared victory. At the same time, my 1500 performance meant a lot to me, too.

"It came right after a tough race was already in my legs, in previous years I probably would’ve just been happy to hop in the race and settle, but this year was different, I was determined to run a club record. It was one of those races where I proved to myself that I’m capable of digging deep, even when the odds aren’t ideal. That resilience is something I’m really proud of."

O’Connor returns home in June, with her main focus now set on the U23 European Championships in Norway this July.

"Right now, I’m focused on staying healthy, consistent and building on this momentum, and I’m home in June. My main focus is in the European U23 Championships in Norway in July. I’d love to keep lowering my steeplechase and 1500m times. As for the next record, who knows? But I’ll be chasing it, whatever it is."