Hi everyone,
For those who don’t know me, I’m Olivia Gallagher, a Para Track and Field athlete. My journey began in 2012 when I discovered Para Athletics after years of being excluded from sports. Inspired by the London 2012 Paralympics, I found my passion for sport in late 2013 after joining the Weir Archer Academy that same year. Since then, this sport has empowered me to lead an independent life, begin my career outside of athletics in marketing, and embrace many amazing experiences both in and outside of elite sport.
Some highlights of my Athletics journey include:
• Top 11 (within top 12) worldwide F32 2025 (year One)
• Top 4 European ranked F32 2025
• British N:1 F32 2025
• World No.1 T33 ranked 2021–2024
• British No.1 T33 ranked 2019–2024
• Mirror Pride of Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year 2018
• Recognised in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100
10 years on the track. It’s time for something new and a new chapter that awaits in the field. Watching athletes like David Weir and being coached by both David and Jenny Archer on the track since 2014 has been a huge journey in itself—their continuous belief in me helped shape the athlete I am today. But as a T33 athlete, the reality is that there’s no opportunity to compete at the highest level in my classification. It’s a tough truth to accept when you train day in and day out and put in countless hours and huge financial investment with the target of major championships and Paralympics being very unrealistic.
So something had to change. That change brought me from the track to the field. A new challenge, a fresh focus, and for the first time in years, realistic opportunities ahead!
Now under the guidance of world-leading seated throws coach Alison O’Riordan, I’m excited and ready for what’s next.
“Stay tuned for more, because we’re only just getting started.”
This transition hasn’t been easy, especially with trying to juggle two different sports, but the focus is on the field, and with my track days firmly over I’m embracing all that’s to come.
I’m incredibly fortunate that I had options, and I’ve now made the switch of nationality to compete under Ireland from 2026 and beyond. This is a huge moment in my journey and one I don’t take lightly.
In June 2025, after my confirmed international classification, we made the decision that if I truly wanted this opportunity and wanted to get to the top, I’d have to go full-time on the road to LA2028. It was a turning point that for the first time in years that there is a real pathway ahead.
And my team on this road isn’t just me and my coach. I’m fortunate to have an incredible setup that includes:
• Strength & Conditioning coach
• Nero physio
• Pilates instructor
• Sport St Mary’s (testing facilities)
• Osteopath
• Sports massage therapist
It really has taken a team to get me to a solid foundation, and we’re coming into 2026 and the next few years with big plans.
⚠️ At present, I’m on no official funding, this journey is entirely self-funded for the foreseeable future. And being a Para athlete doesn’t come cheap.
Some of the key costs include:
• International competitions: £4,000–£6,000
• Throwing equipment: £1,000+
• S&C and transport (including physio, sports massage etc): £600-£800 monthly
That’s why I’m actively looking to partner with sponsors and supporters who believe in the power of sport, resilience, and representation. Any support, no matter how small, makes a huge difference in helping me reach my goals.
I’m looking forward to this exciting new chapter, and building towards LA28.
If you’d like to know more or support my journey, please get in touch!
Instagram: @olivia_gallagher_
LinkedIn: Olivia Gallagher
Facebook: Olivia Gallagher Para Athlete
Thank you all for your encouragement and belief in my journey.
Love,
Team Olivia x
Organizer and beneficiary
Olivia Gallagher
Beneficiary