Dundalk's O'Connor secured Ireland’s first global multi-events medal in 19 years with an impressive pentathlon performance in China, achieving silver by beating USA's Brooks in the final 800m dash. She finished with 4742 points, just short of her Irish record. O'Connor discussed the challenges of competing soon after her European Indoor bronze and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus despite various pressures. Her achievement marks a historic moment for Ireland in multi-events, where it had previously secured no medals at senior championships.
O'Connor dropped the hammer on the last lap and sprinted across the line in 2:14.19, five seconds clear of Brooks, finishing with a tally of 4742 points.
O'Connor noted, 'There were a lot of different variables going on: the flight, the time difference. I was definitely anxious coming into this, coming off such a high.'
'Maybe having the European medal under my belt was a blessing because... I was able to relax and enjoy the competition,' O'Connor remarked.
Ireland had never won a multi-events medal at senior championships before, making O'Connor's achievements significant not just personally, but historically for Irish athletics.
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