As part of Women In Sport week, we are highlighting many of our fantastic athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers. Today, we focus on Olivia Keating from Cork who has been intrumental in the formation of Little Athletics in Cork and Rebel Wheelers.

Women In Sport Theme of the day: Coaching & Officiating


Name:
Olivia Keating


Role/ relationship with IWA-Sport Club
One of the Coaches for the Little Athletics Program with the Rebel Wheelers and I’m also the Athletics Rep on the committee.  I also help out at some of the Grand Prix Events for Irish Para Athletics.


Hometown/County
Kinsale, Co. Cork


1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. 
Marathon runner  just over 60 done to date and I’ve completed the 230k Jungle Ultra, 215k Ice Ultra, 250k Desert Ultra and about to take on the 200k Mountain Ultra.  As well as Volunteering for the Rebel Wheelers I also am trainee boat crew with the RNLI Kinsale Lifeboat station.  To sum me up its easy, I love sport, I also cycle, swim, hike, dive, sail, kayak and a little Gym work too.


2. Why did you get involved with IWA-Sport? 
I had a lifechanging accident while out cycling back in 2016, used a wheelchair very briefly and then had to use a frame and walking stick so while looking for activities to keep me going through my recovery I met Padraig the then sports inclusion officer from Cork Sports Partnership and after a conversation together we ended up getting a Track Wheelchair Racing Program going in June 2017.  This is where I was introduced to kids from the Rebel Wheelers and that’s how I got involved with the IWA.


3. Is there a female sportsperson you admire and why?
Happy to say there are so many to chose from but a lady I know called Collette O’Hagan, she is coming up to her 900th marathon soon and has done them all with a smile on her face and has always stopped and helped others through a race.  A very kind and lovable lady but as tough as nails as she never quits, which is something I admire greatly. 


4. Do you think it’s important for girls or women to get into sport? And if so, why?
Absolutely not just alone for the health and fitness benefits but it can be great to help create confidence, form amazing lifelong friendships and whether its been a stressful day at school, work or at home with the kids its a great way to burn off some of that negative energy and release those happy hormones. 


5. What’s the biggest benefit do you think your athletes get out of being part of sport / your club? What would you say to anyone who wants to volunteer or get involved but hasn’t taken that step yet?
I’ve watched the kids form great friendships, no mater what their disability is they will always be included, watching them being competitive with themselves and work harder week after week to throw further, run or push faster and no matter what they have fun.  For me as a volunteer I could only recommend it to others, as their smiles are infectious and the joy you’ll get from helping show the kids a pathway into the world of sport is truly amazing.


6. Is there any advice you’d like to share with females in general looking to get into sport?
All I could say to those starting out is to try something and if its not for you then just try something else,  there is such a wide choice out there now take advantage of it.  I  I know it may feel intimidating especially if you are starting something alone and its always very hard to get going but the rewards no matter what sport you choose will be fantastic.

Coaching Question:

Do you think it’s important for female athletes to see females coaching? If so, why?
Yes I think they need to see both male and female coaches.  When a young girl sees a female coach I think it inspires them to push on as they know when they are older there can be more options and they will also know that we have faced the same challenges.


What qualities do you think are important to have as a coach?
To be able to listen, to give clear direction, to coach with fun and enthusiasm, to let the athletes know where they are improving and what else they can do to improve further and to make it feel like a safe and inclusive environment.


How would you describe your coaching style?
Dedicated, Fun, Positive and Inclusive.


What benefits do you get from being a coach?
I’ve done many things in life but can honestly say some of my proudest moments have been watching the kids I coach develop week after week, learn new skills, take part in competitions and no matter what the result are to see them thrive and enjoy themselves has been inspirational.