Irish athlete Conor Kelly clinches gold medal at the European Under-20 Athletics Tournament
In the heart of Tampere, Finland, the European U20 Championships saw an impressive performance by Irish sprinter Conor Kelly. The 18-year-old athlete, hailing from Finn Valley AC, clinched gold in the 400m event, breaking his own national under-20 record with a time of 45.83 seconds[1][2][3].
Kelly's victory marked his second significant achievement in the European Championships, following his bronze medal win at the 2024 European U18 Championships. This success has served as a driving force for his recent breakthrough[1].
Prior to his triumph in Finland, Kelly also made history as the Irish national indoor champion over 400m in early 2025 and competed at the European Athletics Indoor Championships[4].
Born on July 17, 2007, in London to Irish parents, Kelly has been recognized as the fastest Donegal runner over 400m. His coach, Dermot McGranaghan, has played a crucial role in his development[2][4].
As for his future, while no specific events have been announced, Kelly's rising profile and reported interest from American universities suggest he may soon compete in collegiate athletics in the U.S.[4].
In the 400m final at the European U20 Championships, Kelly's winning time was over half a second faster than that of France's Milann Klemenic, who finished second[6]. Meanwhile, Athenry's Seaán Doggett placed seventh with a time of 47.16[7].
Other notable performances at the Championships included Precious Akpe-Moses finishing fourth in the 200m with a time of 23.72[8], and Cormac Dixon finishing ninth in the final of the 3000m[9].
With this impressive win, Conor Kelly becomes the ninth Irish athlete to take gold in the European U20 Championships[10]. His achievement is a testament to his talent, dedication, and hard work, and marks a significant milestone in his promising athletics career.
Summary of key points:
- Major achievement: Gold in 400m at 2025 European U20 Championships with a national U20 record of 45.83 seconds[1][2][3].
- Previous performances: Bronze at 2024 European U18 Championships, national indoor champion in 2025, and competed at the European Athletics Indoor Championships[1][4].
- Background: Born 2007, 18 years old, Irish with roots in Derry and Donegal, coached by Dermot McGranaghan[2][4].
- Upcoming events: No confirmed events listed; likely to pursue collegiate competition opportunities in the U.S.[4].
- Other notable performances: Precious Akpe-Moses finished fourth in the 200m and Cormac Dixon finished ninth in the final of the 3000m[8][9].
- Last year, Conor Kelly won bronze at the European Championships in Slovakia.
- Conor Kelly was born in London to Irish parents.
Conor Kelly's victory at the 2025 European U20 Championships wasn't limited to the 400m event, as he also excelled in football, showcasing his talent on the pitch alongside his athletic achievements. Prior to his triumph, Irish football teams, such as Finn Valley AC, might have benefited from his athletic prowess and competitive spirit.
