The path from Olympic glory to meaningful leadership isn’t straightforward, but Aifric Keogh is navigating it with the same determination that earned her bronze in Tokyo.

As the newly elected Chair of the Olympic Federation of Ireland’s Athletes Commission, she’s setting out to create and articulate a vision for athlete representation at the highest levels.

“Sometimes it’s people doing great work, driving policies, making change, getting funding, but sometimes the actual athletes’ concerns and opinions get lost,” Keogh explains, pinpointing exactly why her role matters.

With nine athletes representing sports from team pursuits to individual disciplines like luge, the commission aims to bridge critical gaps between those competing and those administrating.

Keogh’s personal journey adds depth to her perspective. She shares candid reflections on Tokyo’s triumph – “one of the best teams I’ve ever worked in” – contrasted with Paris disappointment that she acknowledges will “take years to process.” This honesty about sport’s emotional extremes makes her uniquely qualified to advocate for athletes navigating similar challenges.

Perhaps most compelling is Keogh’s transparency about transitioning from elite competition to corporate life through JP Morgan’s athlete program. “Sport doesn’t last forever,” she acknowledges, describing the jarring shift from being at her career peak to “knowing absolutely nothing” in a new environment. Her observations about seeking feedback and applying the principle of consistency reveal the universal struggles athletes face when building second careers.

Throughout our conversation, her intelligence and thoughtfulness shine through – whether discussing the Galway sporting landscape, lessons from disappointment, or her eclectic fantasy dinner party with Ronan O’Gara, Taylor Swift, and President Zelensky.

Her combination of sporting excellence, leadership potential, and authentic humanity promises a powerful voice for Ireland’s Olympic athletes in the years ahead.

 

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