Derval O’Rourke: ‘What do I miss most? My abs from when I was racing’

Former athlete on her favourite place, why she rarely gets angry and growing up spoiled

Derval O’Rourke. 'I’m probably not the most agreeable person. I tend not to just go along with things - and ask lots of questions.' Photograph: Joleen Cronin

Mon Aug 05 2024 - 06:00

Three-time Olympian Derval O’Rourke has won European championship medals and a World Indoor title in sprint hurdles. The Cork-based athlete retired from athletics in 2014 and is an expert panellist for RTÉ's coverage of the Olympic Games for Paris 2024

How agreeable are you?

I’m probably not the most agreeable person. I tend not to just go along with things – and ask lots of questions!

What’s your middle name and what do you think of it?

Anne and I think it’s only grand.

Where is your favourite place in Ireland?

Crosshaven or Baltimore in Cork – I can’t pick between them.

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Describe yourself in three words.

Thorough, empathetic and considerate (I struggled with this and had to ask my husband).

When did you last get angry?

Angry is such a strong word. I get frustrated and upset but it’s rare that I’m actually angry.

What have you lost that you would like to have back?

My abs from when I was racing.

[ Derval O’Rourke’s workplace wellbeing platform Saol raises €200,000 from Enterprise IrelandOpens in new window ]

What’s your strongest childhood memory?

Running on the green outside my house and racing people.

Derval O'Rourke: 'At times in my running career I put myself under too much pressure and worried about what people would think of me if I didn’t perform well. Looking back, I wish I had cared a lot less.' Photograph: Patrick Browne

Where do you come in your family’s birth order, and has this defined you?

I’m the baby, as in the second of two. I was also the youngest of every cousin, so I think it definitely made a difference because everyone did things for me and minded me (aka spoilt me).

What do you expect to happen when you die?

I’m unsure because I’m not particularly religious, but I am spiritual. I hope I don’t find out for a long time.

When were you happiest?

On a beach with my kids and friends eating crisp sandwiches and having a laugh.

Which actor would play you in a biopic about your life?

Victoria Smurfit.

What’s your biggest career or personal regret?

At times in my running career I put myself under too much pressure and worried about what people would think of me if I didn’t perform well. Looking back, I wish I had cared a lot less.