Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jon McConnell took note of how Kate O’Connor built on her glory in Glasgow to conquer Europe and has aspirations to do likewise.
Heptathlete O’Connor won Commonwealth gold in July and followed up with European success in Birmingham just weeks later. Belfast’s McConnell – who took the 70kg title in Glasgow – now sets his sights on the European Elite Championships which begin on Thursday in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The 23-year-old made the big breakthrough in Glasgow, claiming Team NI’s only boxing gold, but is not content to bask in his summer glory with the opportunity to build upon that momentum and emulate O’Connor’s double.
“She is a big inspiration, winning the Commonwealths, had a week off and was back over in Birmingham to win [European] gold – hopefully I can replicate that,” McConnell told BBC Sport NI in the build-up to his trip to Bulgaria.
“I’m on the right road. The Commonwealths was a goal for me since I was a kid. It’s given me a taste for more and the only way to get that buzz is to go out and win major championships.”
McConnell is part of a 14-strong Team Ireland squad preparing for action in Sofia that now includes Kellie McLoughlin at women’s lightweight as two-time Olympic champion Kellie Harrington withdrew due to a hand injury.
While medals remain a coveted currency in any tournament, there is also an opportunity to test themselves against their rivals before qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles begins next year with the World Championships and European Games.
“It’s going to be the same people you are boxing,” McConnell noted.
“I take one fight and round at a time, but there is no reason why I can’t be top of the podium as LA is my main goal.
“I’m national elite champion two years in a row, so if I can make that three in January, I should go to the qualifiers next year, but these European Championships I want to put a marker down.”