Heptathlete Kate O'Connor has been coached by her father Michael since she was 10, highlighting a complex but effective dynamic in their relationship. Despite the challenges, O'Connor acknowledges that having her father in multiple roles—coach, agent, and dad—has contributed significantly to her success.

In 2025, O'Connor made a remarkable impact on the world stage, securing four medals:

• Gold at the World University Games
• Silver in both the World Indoor and Outdoor Championships
• Bronze at the European Indoor Championships

O'Connor appreciates her father's unwavering support, stating, "He fits into all the different roles." She describes him as the "middle man" who balances her athletic needs with commercial responsibilities, ensuring she remains focused on training while managing sponsorship commitments.

Reflecting on her performance, O'Connor expressed disappointment after winning bronze at the World Indoors in March, despite setting a new Irish record of 4,839 points. She views this as a necessary reality check ahead of the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, emphasizing that medals require hard work and should not be taken for granted.

As she prepares for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the pressure mounts for O'Connor to deliver a medal-winning performance. She acknowledges the expectations but aims to focus on her own performance rather than the external pressure. O'Connor states, "I'm not turning up to championships to come second and third; I want to be top," signaling her determination to excel.