Dr Rhys McClenaghan BEM, Honorary Graduate 2023
Team Ireland
Taking home the Gold Medal in the Men's Pommel Horse, Rhys McClenaghan makes history as the first male gymnast to win an Olympic medal for Ireland. Rhys has already proven his excellence in sport with two World Championship titles, three European Championships, and a Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Photo credit: Sportsfile
Danielle Hill
Team Ireland
Danielle Hill, a 2022 graduate in Sport & Exercise Science, is a prominent figure in Irish swimming. Danielle recently triumphed at the European Championships, winning gold in the 50m Backstroke and a silver in the 100m Backstroke. Paris 2024 was Danielle's second Olympics appearance where she placed 8th in the 100m Backstroke and 50m Freestyle, and with team mates, placed 6th in the 400m Medley Relay and 8th in the 400m Freestyle Relay. We're looking forward to seeing Danielle back on campus this September when she returns to undertake an MSc in Strength & Conditioning.
Victoria Catterson
Team Ireland
Victoria Catterson, a 2023 graduate in Accounting, made her Olympic debut representing Ireland in the 400m Freestyle Relay, finishing in 8th place alongside team mates. Victoria's impressive resume includes participation in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, multiple European Championships, and the 2024 World Championships.
Photo credit: Sportsfile
Jack McMillan
Team GB
Jack McMillan, graduated in 2022 with a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science, and earned a Gold Medal for his performance in the men's 200m Freestyle Relay at the Paris 24 Olympics. This was Jack’s second Olympic appearance, having previously represented Ireland in Tokyo 2020 before switching to GB to pursue a postgraduate course at the University of Stirling in 2022. Jack has a decorated history, including a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games and participation in various world and European championships.
Peter McKibbin
Team Ireland
Peter McKibbin, a 2019 graduate in Sport & Exercise Science, represented Ireland in Hockey, earning his 50th cap for Ireland. This marks Peter's first Olympic appearance, adding to his senior experience in tournaments such as the EuroHockey Championship II, the 2022 Nations Cup, and the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24. Peter plays for Lisnagarvey HC, a club known for nurturing top-tier hockey talent.
Photo credit: Sportsfile
Jonathan Lynch
Team Ireland
Jonathan Lynch, a 2023 graduate in Sport & Exercise Science, is a reserve player for Ireland’s Hockey team in his first Olympic Games. Jonathan has amassed 41 senior caps for Ireland and has played in the EuroHockey Championship II, the Nations Cup, and the FIH Hockey Pro League in recent years. He plays his club hockey for Banbridge HC, where he continues to develop his skills and readiness for the international stage.
Kate O'Connor
Team Ireland
Kate O’Connor, currently pursuing an MSc in Communication with PR, is set to make history as Ireland's first heptathlete to compete at the Olympic Games. This was Kate's first Olympics where she finished in 14th place with 6167 points, marking a significant milestone in her career. Kate's achievements include a silver medal at the 2019 European U20 Championships, where she became the first and only Irish woman to exceed 6,000 points, a silver medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games for Team NI, and notable placements in the 2023 European Pentathlon Indoor Championships and World Championships. As an Ulster University Performance Sport Scholar, supported by Lacuna Developments, Kate is a shining example of the university's commitment to athletic excellence.