Dundalk woman Kate O'Connor has won Ireland's first World Indoors medal in 19 years by securing silver in the pentathlon in China today.
Following her European bronze medal win of less than two weeks ago, the 24-year-old achieved three personal bests in five events to claim Ireland's first indoor medal since Derval O'Rourke's gold in Moscow in 2006.
O'Connor entered the 800m, with a three-point deficit to Taliyah Brooks before she surpassed the American by finishing third in the race.
Finland's Saga Vanninen achieved a European and World gold double, finishing 79 points ahead of O'Connor. O'Connor maintained a 73-point lead over Brooks.
The final event was intensely competitive while O'Connor maintained her third-place position in the final lap to secure the silver medal.
O'Connor was the first Irish athlete to compete at the championships, starting with the 60m hurdles early on Friday morning, achieving a personal best of 8.30 and finishing fourth in her heat.
Another lifetime best followed in the shot put with a throw of 14.64m. In the high jump, O'Connor’s jump of 1.81m tied with Timara Chapman of the US for the top standings.
O’Connor recorded successive personal bests of 6.30m and 6.32m in the long jump.
Athletics Ireland High Performance Director Paul McNamara described the day as a landmark for Irish athletics
He told RTÉ "We knew coming here that Kate had a real opportunity for a medal, but she had to deliver, and she did exceptionally".
"Everyone in the Irish camp recognizes the significance of a combined events medal for Ireland. It is very significant and should not be underestimated."
O'Connor has set nine personal bests in 10 events this year.
