31/07/2026
Ulster Alumna Kate O'Connor Wins Historic Commonwealth Heptathlon Gold
Northern Ireland’s first Commonwealth athletics champion since 1986 claims the heptathlon title in Glasgow.
Kate O'Connor produced a superb all-round display to clinch her first senior outdoor international gold medal, reinforcing her position among the world's leading combined-event competitors.
The result marks a landmark moment for O'Connor, who reached the top of the podium at her third Commonwealth Games. She advanced from eighth place in 2018 to silver in Birmingham in 2022, and now to gold in 2026.
O'Connor graduated from Ulster University in 2025 with an MSc in Communication and Public Relations, successfully combining her studies with international competition as one of the University's Performance Scholars.
Her Commonwealth crown builds on an exceptional run that includes World Athletics indoor and outdoor silver medals and a series of major international podium finishes, firmly establishing her among the world's elite heptathletes.
Ulster University extended its congratulations to Kate on this historic success and wished her continued success as she inspires on the international stage.
Photo credit: James Rhodes
Kate O'Connor produced a superb all-round display to clinch her first senior outdoor international gold medal, reinforcing her position among the world's leading combined-event competitors.
The result marks a landmark moment for O'Connor, who reached the top of the podium at her third Commonwealth Games. She advanced from eighth place in 2018 to silver in Birmingham in 2022, and now to gold in 2026.
Her Commonwealth crown builds on an exceptional run that includes World Athletics indoor and outdoor silver medals and a series of major international podium finishes, firmly establishing her among the world's elite heptathletes.
Ulster University extended its congratulations to Kate on this historic success and wished her continued success as she inspires on the international stage.
Photo credit: James Rhodes
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