Ava O’Connor reflects on her record-breaking success

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 U/23 3000m steeplechase record.

Her time of 9:46.22 not only eclipsed the previous record 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, a few days later she broke her club’s record for the 1500m which was held by Ann Marie Larkin McGlynn since 2001.

A few weeks on from the amazing performances, Ava O’Connor took time out to talk to the Laois Nationalist 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 thought she was in good shape even though she hasn’t participated at sea level that often.

She said: “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 good feeling when crossing the line that she potentially broke the record held by Fionnuala McCormack, a record Ava will never forget.

She added: “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 after the success of breaking the steeplechase national record more records tumbled for O’Connor.

A few days later O’Connor smashed her personal best and along the way she broke a club record in the 1500m, which was held by Ann Marie Larkin McGlynn since 2001.

Talking about the race O’Connor admitted she was physically and mentally fine and although she was nervous, she eclipsed the record of McGlynn which is a huge honour for O’Connor.

“I was honestly feeling pretty good both physically and mentally, I raced the steeple on the Wednesday night and the 1500 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.

“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 as she paid tribute to everyone who has helped her over the years that this record was the product of hard work but is still proud of her success in the 1500m.

“The national steeplechase record definitely holds a special place in my heart because it symbolizes 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 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, and her main focus is the U-23 European Championships in Norway in July.

She finished: “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 time. As for the next record—who knows? But I’ll be chasing it, whatever it is.”