World Athletics Championships: Three personal bests as Newry's Kate O’Connor in medal hunt
Newry’s Kate O’Connor has put herself firmly in contention for a medal at the World Athletics Championships after delivering a superb opening day in the heptathlon event.
Friday’s schedule saw the 24-year-old record three personal bests in a strong showing across four events.
The 100m hurdles set the tone in Tokyo, with O’Connor clocking 13.44 seconds to take third in her heat. She then impressed in the high jump, sharing fourth place, before continuing her strong form with another breakthrough display in the 200m.
A composed showing in the shot put means she has positioned herself squarely in medal contention.
By the end of the first day, O’Connor had amassed an impressive 3906 points, which left her in second position overall. Only America’s Anna Hall, who has surged into a commanding lead with 4154 points, sits above her.
The competition reaches its conclusion on Saturday with three decisive events — the long jump, javelin and 800m — where O’Connor will aim to get her hands on a medal.
She told BBC Sport after the first day of action: "I came here and I just wanted to enjoy every event. I've had the year of dreams so far with the two medals I won indoors, and I wanted to show I could transfer it to outdoors so I'm enjoying every second out there.
"I'm getting PBs left right and centre which is also amazing. We have been putting in so much hard work over the last couple of years and I'm so happy it is coming out now."