Commonwealth Games: Kate O’Connor on having dad as coach

“It’s a really complicated dynamic, I don’t know how we make it work, but we do. He fits all different roles.”

Heptathlete Kate O’Connor has been coached by her father Michael since the age of 10.

He’s been there through the highs and lows of his daughter’s fledgling career to this day, though the former has definitely outpaced the latter lately.

The 25-year-old really announced herself on the world stage in 2025, winning four medals including gold at the World University Games, silver at both the World Indoor and Outdoor Championships and bronze at the European Indoor Championships.

As much as he knows and has enjoyed so much success, O’Connor says having his father as his coach “works really well for me” and shares an insight into the different hats he has to wear as he juggles the roles of agent, coach and father.

“He’s the middle man who organizes things and makes decisions when I have days off to do sponsor stuff. I know he’s completely by my side and understands both sides of being an athlete; earning a living and coming to training. It’s really helpful,” he explains.

“When I actually compete, it’s the athlete-coach unless something goes wrong at the World Championships in Tokyo. I hurt my knee and those moments can be really difficult when I’m really upset, I can see he’s also really upset for me.

“He does his best to give me a pep talk when something gets me a bit off track and I trust him, but it’s hard, you can see how important it is to him and you can see it in real life, you’re not letting anyone down but you can see that you want to do well.

“Having someone in your corner 100% is class and he sets a really high standard for the rest of the guys that work for me.”