Rob Heffernan has announced his retirement from elite athletics and is to take up a new role as an ambassador for Bank of Ireland in the Munster region.
The five-time Olympian has been one of Ireland’s most successful and popular athletes over the past two decades.
He holds an Olympic Bronze medal from London 2012, upgraded after he finished fourth on the day, as well as World Championship Gold from 2013 and European Championship Bronze from 2010.
Off the track, he was a star of RTÉ’s documentary about the Olympics build-up for Rio, alongside his wife and coach Marian, and he raised his profile further beyond the sporting community this year when appearing in Dancing With the Stars.
“After a lifetime spent dedicated to elite athletics I am delighted to be making the transition to a second career,” said Heffernan.
“Retiring from a professional sporting career can be a struggle for many athletes but I have been working with my management agent Derry McVeigh over the last year to ensure that I make this transition as smooth as possible.”
“I believe the skills I acquired on the track such as teamwork, commitment and leadership will stand me in good stead as I take up my next challenge with Bank of Ireland.”
“We are delighted to welcome Rob to Bank of Ireland Munster as a Community and Youth Ambassador for Cork,” said Bank of Ireland Munster and Sport Ireland Director Liam Sheedy.
“Rob’s winning mentality and overall leadership is an excellent fit for Bank of Ireland as we strive to enable our customers, colleagues and communities to thrive. Exciting times ahead and Rob will be a great addition to our Munster Team.”
There is also going to be a role within Athletics Ireland but details of what that will be have yet to be confirmed.
“Rob has represented Ireland on the world stage with distinction for over 20 years,” said Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland. “He spent his athletic career working hard, getting results and consistently performing under pressure whilst at the same he has given so much back to young and aspiring athletes in this country.”
“Rob’s competitive career may be over, but we are delighted that his professional relationship with Athletics Ireland will endure and we will be announcing details of his new consultancy role with us in the coming weeks.”
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