Ava O’Connor competes on the European stage

On Saturday last, Ava O’Connor of Tullamore Harriers took to the track for the 3000m steeplechase final at the European U23 Championships in Bergen, Norway.

After a cautious opening kilometre, the pace lifted as Spain’s Marta Serrano surged to the front. Ava found herself boxed in during this critical phase, limiting her ability to respond as the leaders pulled away.

Once Ava got a clear run, she started to close in on Turkey’s Sila Bayir. Despite her efforts, the gap to the front pack proved difficult to close.

On the final lap, Ava kicked hard, moving into sixth position, However, a stumble before the final water jump disrupted her rhythm, and she was overtaken by two late challengers.

Ava crossed the line in eighth place, clocking 9:54.35, which was indeed a gritty and commendable performance on the European stage.