Kate O’Connor and coach Michael O’Connor
Irish combined events coach Michael O’Connor has been named the recipient of the 2025 Coaching Achievement Award, recognising his outstanding commitment to athlete development.
With a coaching career spanning more than two decades, O’Connor’s path into the sport began through a degree in construction and a postgraduate certificate in education – a route that equipped him with skills in planning, structure and long-term goal-setting that now shape the foundation of his coaching philosophy.
A committed lifelong learner, O’Connor has surrounded himself with world-class practitioners and sought mentorship from some of the most respected figures in global coaching. This network has helped him stay at the forefront of performance methodology, continually refining his approach to elevate the athletes he works with.
A standout highlight of his career has been the long-term development of his daughter, Kate O’Connor, whom he has coached for 15 years. Their journey – marked by resilience, careful planning and a shared commitment to excellence – culminated this season in Kate earning silver medals at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, becoming the first Irish athlete to earn senior global medals in combined events.
“I am truly surprised and deeply grateful to receive this honour,” said O’Connor. “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 this athlete and to witness her achieve extraordinary things in recent years,” he added. “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.”
Known for his meticulous approach, O’Connor is equally focused on technical detail and long-term strategic planning. His athlete-centred philosophy ensures not only performance excellence but a supportive environment for continuous growth – both for his athletes and himself as a coach.
The Coaching Achievement Award is celebrated as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025. Further announcements will be made this weekend, with the World Athletes of the Year and Rising Stars being revealed at the awards ceremony in Monaco on 30 November.
World Athletics
