Katie O'Brien is the toast of Galway and Clarinbridge after winning gold at this year's World Rowing Championships.
She joins an elite group of Galwegians, including Neville Maxwell, Fiona Murtagh and Aifric Keogh, to have claimed gold on the world stage, after winning the PR2 single sculls final in Racice, Czech Republic. In doing so she overcame the reigning world champion, Kathryn Ross of Australia.
It was a wonderful victory for O'Brien, having been supported by her mum Aileen, brother Sean - the former Connacht Rugby player - and her dad, the late Ian O'Brien, in her rowing endeavours. And, that she had never beaten the Australian made it all the more special.
On this occasion O'Brien opened up a lead which she refused to give up, and in the end she won by 10 seconds.
“I wanted to open up as much water as I could, so I could set the pace and make a move if [Ross] made a move. Kat’s unbelievably strong and I knew that - probably stronger than I am. You’re talking a lightweight rower versus a heavyweight rower.
“I just wanted to open up as much water as I could. Just sit on it then and do whatever I had to do to defend the lead.”
It was a tactic that worked for the 26-years-old, who, having been born with spina bifida, did not let that stop her from excelling in the sport she started as a teenager.
Rowing for years in a single boat, she has always shone in the sport. She claimed a 2019 World Rowing Championship bronze medal, having returned to competition after a two-years break - on that occasion the event was won by Kathryn Ross. In addition there have been golds at Henley and Home Internationals, and two world records on ERG.
Now O'Brien's rowing journey continues in a double, and with new partner Steven McGowan. The pair, having formed Ireland’s first competitive para-rowing crew, seek to qualify for the Olympics. They are well on their way, having placed fourth in their first final at last week's world championships. There is certainly more to come from this new pair.
