Ireland’s U23 athletes delivered an unforgettable showing at the European U23 Championships in Bergen, securing three medals, breaking national records, and making history with one of the country’s most successful outings ever at the championships.
Thompson Strikes Gold in the 10,000m
The highlight of the week came on Friday night when Anika Thompson stormed to gold in the 10,000m, becoming Ireland’s second-ever European U23 champion.
In a display of patience and power, Thompson stayed composed before pulling away in the closing stages to clinch a landmark win and stand atop the podium.
Her championship wasn’t over yet. Just two days later, Thompson returned for the 5000m, showing resilience and grit to battle through fatigue and take bronze in 15:56.80, adding a second medal to her name in what she described as “one of the hardest ones I’ve run.” Her words reflected her joy: “Whether I win or lose, the greatest thing is that I’m healthy and I get to do this.”
Heather Murphy also contested the 10,000m final, finishing a commendable 19th in 35:07.09 in her first appearance at this level.
Maher Takes Bronze in the 1500m
On the final day, Eimear Maher delivered a tactical masterclass in the 1500m, claiming a brilliant bronze medal in her first international track championship. Ranked seventh on paper, the 21-year-old played a patient game before making her move with 800m to go. She dug deep in the closing metres to edge out Great Britain’s Mena Scatchard and clocked 4:09.54 at the line.
Silver for Nicola Tuthill in the Hammer
Nicola Tuthill claimed a brilliant silver medal in the hammer throw, her best mark of 70.90m coming in round four. It was her third throw over 70m this season and made her Ireland’s first ever field event medalist at these championships.
She had earlier qualified as the top seed with a huge 71.33m – the second-farthest throw of her career.
National U23 RECORD in 4x400m Relay
Ireland’s women’s 4x400m relay team of Kate O’Connell, Victoria Amiadamen, and Jenna Breen broke the national U23 record with a time of 3:34.81, taking down the previous 2017 mark by 0.06 seconds.
O’Connor Leads Strong Irish Steeplechase Trio
Ava O’Connor placed 8th in the 3000m steeplechase final with 9:54.35 after a strong second-place finish in the heats (10:02.95).
Alexandra Joyce, just three months into her steeplechase career, ran 10:15.63 for 11th in her heat, close to her PB.
Ailish Hawkins clocked 10:44.45 in her heat, finishing 11th in a competitive field.
Personal Bests and Breakthroughs in 800m & 1500m
Maeve O’Neill ran a new PB of 2:02.66 in the 800m, narrowly missing out on the final by just one place.
Emma Moore, making her Ireland debut, ran 2:05.32 in a tactical 800m heat.
Cara Laverty clocked 4:23.66 in the 1500m heats, finishing 9th.
Gavigan Makes Top 8 in Discus
Anna Gavigan, in her first major championship, threw 51.34m to qualify for the discus final and finished 8th overall with a best of 51.16m in the final – a strong and consistent display from the Dubliner.
Speed & Height: Sleeman and O’Sullivan Represent
Lucy-May Sleeman advanced to the 100m semi-finals, running 11.57 in her heat before clocking 11.77 in the semis.
Aoife O’Sullivan cleared 1.77m to place 8th in Group B of the high jump qualifiers.
A Championship to Remember
Ireland had one of their best ever outings at the U23 European Athletics Championship, with Ireland’s women claiming a gold medal, a silver medal and two bronzes, as well as a national record and multiple PBs and breakthroughs.
Bergen 2025 was a standout event for the future of Irish athletics.