With the Olympic Games 2024 kicking off in Paris this week, a host of our students, graduates and Honorary Graduates prepare to shine on the world's biggest sporting stage.
Kate O’Connor: Heptathlon Trailblazer
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. These will be her first Olympics, 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.
Rhys McClenaghan BEM: Master of the Pommel Horse
Rhys McClenaghan, a recent Honorary Graduate of 2023, is poised to make waves in gymnastics representing Ireland. Rhys has already etched his name in the annals of the sport with two World Championship titles, three European Championships, and a Commonwealth Games gold medal. His return to the Olympics comes after a commendable seventh-place finish in Tokyo 2021, and he stands as a strong medal prospect for 2024.
Danielle Hill: Diving Deep into Success
Danielle Hill, a 2022 graduate in Sport & Exercise Science, is a prominent figure in Irish swimming. She will be competing in multiple events including the female 100m backstroke, 50m freestyle, and both the 400m freestyle and medley relays. Danielle's recent triumphs, including a European Championship gold in the 50m backstroke and a silver in the 100m backstroke, fuel her aspirations for her second Olympic appearance. Notably, she plans to return to Ulster University in the 2024/25 academic year for an MSc in Strength & Conditioning.
Jack McMillan: Crossing New Waters
Jack McMillan, another Sport & Exercise Science graduate from 2022, will compete in the 4x200m relay for Great Britain. This will be Jack’s second Olympic appearance, having previously represented Ireland in Tokyo 2021 before switching allegiance during his postgraduate studies at 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.
Victoria Catterson: Accounting for Speed
Victoria Catterson, a 2023 graduate in Accounting (Pathways), will make her Olympic debut representing Ireland in the 400m freestyle relay and potentially in the 400m medley relay. Victoria's impressive resume includes participation in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, multiple European Championships, and the 2024 World Championships. Her club, the Ulster Performance Centre in Bangor, has been instrumental in her preparation for this pinnacle event.
Peter McKibbin: On the Hockey Field
Peter McKibbin, a 2019 graduate in Sport & Exercise Science, is set to represent Ireland in hockey. This marks his first Olympic appearance, adding to his 48 senior caps and 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.
Jonathan Lynch: Ready to Play
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.
Dr Nigel Dobson, Head of Sports Services, commented:
“We are immensely proud of our students, graduates and Honorary Graduates who have reached the pinnacle of their sports by qualifying for the Olympics. Their dedication and hard work are a testament to the robust support system and high-performance environment that Ulster University provides to its students.
“On behalf of the entire Ulster University community, I would like to wish them all the best of luck and we look forward to watching them compete and inspire future generations of athletes."
As these athletes step onto the global stage, the 2024 Olympics will showcase their individual prowess, and their connection to Ulster University serves as a reminder of the institution's commitment to nurturing talent and excellence.