Women in Sport: Ciara Neville, Irish and Emerald AC Sprinter

Ciara Neville was one of the top young sprinters in Ireland before a horrid injury set her back. This year she has taken to the track again and is hoping to re-take her spot at the top of the sprinting ranks again.

How did you get into your chosen sport?

I was very into sports when I was younger and so was my family so I played pretty much every sport you could think of and really enjoyed them all. My mom has always said that I was nearly running before walking and always running around the place when I was a baby so it was very fitting that she signed me up for running. I also got into athletics because my best friend in school Ellie, her mom, was one of the coaches in my local club. I started when I was around six by taking part in the U8 Community Games and also joined my local club Emerald Athletic Club and haven’t looked back since!

Who was your sporting hero growing up and your sporting hero now?

Growing up I had a few sporting heroes, I loved going to Munster Rugby matches with my dad and particularly liked watching Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara play in Thomond Park. As I got older and more into athletics I really looked up to Sonia O’Sullivan and Derval O’Rourke and really aspired to have so many great achievements and accolades like them. I still really look up to all those incredible athletes today and have much more of an appreciation of the hard work and dedication that it takes to perform to the highest level in sport.

What is the most memorable moment in your career so far?

I have two memories that stand out to me, the first being when I won the European Youth Olympics 100m in 2015, this was my first taste of success on the international stage and made me hungry to experience that again in the future. Secondly, coming second in the World U20 Championships in the 4x100m relay is really special to look back on, being the first Irish team ever to medal at the World Championships is really memorable.

What would you change in your sport today to help women?

Luckily for me, in athletics men and women are treated equally. Likely because of it being an individual sport and both men and women compete at all the same competitions. Naturally this means the crowd and TV coverage is the same. We are very fortunate to have great support from our male counterparts and likewise we support them also.

What is an important lesson you have learnt in your sport ?

The biggest lesson I have learned in my career to date is that success is not linear, there are many bumps in the road to success and it is in those hiccups along the way that you really find out who you are and why you do what you do. It’s not just the high points and success that define you but how you deal with the setbacks and overcome them.
Surrounding yourself with good people to celebrate the victories with and people who have your back in the setbacks is so important.