#209 Conor Kelly // From Derry to European Sprint Champion (Athletics)

On episode #209 I am delighted to be joined by Texas Freshman and Irish sprinting sensation Conor Kelly who has cemented himself as one of Ireland’s brightest talents.This episode was recorded in November in Austin Texas where Conor recently began his college career as a Texas Longhorn. We discuss his career as a spinner, his recent move to Austin Texas following in the footsteps of Rshadiat Adeleke and what it is like training with world renowned Coach Flo. We also break down his training, cues, reps and life in Austin. We also discuss his recent success where Conor dominated on the European underage stage over the last 18 months. In 2024 at the European U18 Championships in Slovakia, he claimed a bronze medal while setting a new Irish U18 record of 46.97 seconds. Less than one year later (Feb 25), he recorded 46.54 seconds in the final of at the Irish Indoor Championships in Abbotstown, winning the national indoor title and setting a new Irish U20 indoor record. His form continued into the summer months as on August 9th 2025, at the European U20 Championships in Finland, Kelly delivered a dominant performance in the 400 m final, winning gold in 45.83 seconds and setting a brand new Irish U20 record outdoors.Conor became the ninth ever Irish athlete ever to win gold at the European U20 Championships and his time of 45.83 seconds places him among the top senior-level Irish 400m athletes, despite still being eligible for U20 competition this year. As Irish sprinting is entering arguably their golden era, Kelly is one of the many athletes spearheading the charge as the tri colour becomes a regular feature across world and olympic sprint finals.Thanks to our sponsor Taranis Recovery. Use the discount code SIDELINE15 for 15% off your purchase on ⁠⁠⁠taranisrecovery.com⁠⁠⁠ . An Irish-owned brand focused on helping athletes recover smarter, Rise higher and Live stronger. Tune in to hear from one of Ireland’s brightest upcoming sports stars. Find Conor here https://www.instagram.com/conorklly/ Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLiveRecorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBandIntro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠