Kate O'Connor says the dynamic with her dad as coach is "really complicated" but works. From age 10, Michael has been her coach, agent and father, juggling sponsorships, training schedules and emotional support. He is the middle‑man who organisers events and decides rest days, keeping her fully on her side while understanding both athlete and business sides.

In 2025, Kate O'Connor announced herself on the world stage, winning four medals—including gold at the World University Games, silver at both the World Indoor and Outdoor Championships, and bronze at the European Indoor Championships. Her success has been built on hard work and the belief that no medal comes easy.

The heptathlete admitted that a bronze at the World Indoors in March, where she set an Irish record of 4,839 points, was a reality check. With the Commonwealth Games and European Championships looming, she is focused on controlling her performance rather than the pressure of expectations.

She plans to go to Glasgow not for the "craic" but to deliver a top score, aiming to finish building a winning legacy and not be caught by the weight of public expectations.