Ireland's Kate O'Connor Wins Heptathlon Gold, Breaks National Record at World University Games

Kate O’Connor of Ireland won the gold medal in the women's heptathlon at the 2025 World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, setting a new national record with 6487 points and finishing fourth in the world rankings this year. The 24-year-old athlete dominated the competition across all seven events, including personal bests in the 200 meters and 800 meters, and strong performances in the long jump and javelin. O’Connor's victory marked Ireland’s first gold at the Championships since 2015 and added to her impressive 2025 season, which also includes a World Indoor silver and European Indoor bronze. She comfortably led her closest rivals, Hungary’s Szabina Szucs and Australia’s Emelia Surch, by a significant margin. The Dundalk-based Ulster University master’s student showcased resilience, bouncing back from a slow start in the 100m hurdles to achieve a commanding overall victory. Her achievement continues Ireland’s tradition of success at the Games, making her the fifth Irish gold medallist in the event's history.