Speaking after claiming the gold medal, Kate’s father and coach Michael O’Connor couldn’t hide his delight at the achievement. By the time the athletes lined up for the concluding 800 metres, O’Connor knew that simply finishing the race would almost certainly secure the title. “I had the privilege of standing on the line knowing I just had to get around the two laps and I had the gold medal. Her latest gold medal also enhances her growing reputation as one of Europe’s leading combined-event athletes. The Europeans is at the same level as the World Championships and the Olympic games.