Newry's Kate O'Connor with 'continue to build' target after world indoor bronze in Poland pentathlon

Newry-born Kate O’Connor posted World Athletics Indoor Championships bronze joy in Poland then declared a “continue to build” ambition.

Two Personal Best results and a national record points tally across the five-event pentathlon left the Team Ireland athlete with another medal to add to her tally.

placeholder image — Newry-born Kate O'Connor on the way to pentathlon bronze for Team Ireland at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old reflected on her ‘year of dreams’ having won silver at the same event last year plus World Championships runner-up in the heptathlon.

“I came here with really high expectations for myself and even though I got a bronze medal and I was ultimately looking for more, I can't complain,” said O'Connor, as reported on BBC Sport NI. “I've had the year of dreams and I continue to build.

“I know I've dropped a colour in medals but my points score has progressed and it's really looking great for outdoors."

O’Connor clocked Personal Best results across the shot put and 800m alongside impressive scores over the 60m hurdles, high jump and long jump.

“I opened my season at my national championships a couple of weeks ago and since then I've had a little bit of up and down with training and had a few health issues,” said O’Connor. “Coming here, I wanted five PBs...I knew it would be a hard ask but I left everything out there.

"And, when I reflect later, I will be delighted with myself.

“I'm looking forward to getting back and continuing building.

"But I have another medal to add to my collection, so can I complain? No.”