For Kieran O’Hara, the road to running began in an unexpected place. Having attended a special school from a young age, where opportunities for formal sport were limited, he discovered a passion for running outside the traditional sporting pathway. Thanks to a watchful eye from his dad, a former athlete himself, Kieran’s natural speed in the playground and in the garden didn’t go unnoticed. This moment of recognition sparked the start of a journey that has now taken him all the way to selection for Team England at the Commonwealth Games.
Kieran lives with autism and alongside his athletics career, regularly volunteers and supports Sport for Confidence in Basildon. Sport for Confidence is an Essex community-based service that delivers sessions and support to people and communities, to help reduce barriers and tackle inequalities in sport and physical activity. Kieran’s volunteering to support others reflects his passion to prove that disabilities shouldn’t define people and people can achieve whatever they wish with a little bit of self-belief.
“I help set up equipment and put it away again, and I demonstrate activities and join in the warmup. I also say hello to the clients and make them feel welcome. They all know me now.”
For Kieran, it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels included and supported.
“I like to help and encourage them to join in. Everybody joins in and has fun. All the people are nice, and the staff are great.”
Being selected to represent England is something Kieran describes as both overwhelming and incredibly exciting.
“I’ve had so much praise and congratulations from all sorts of people, you never know if you will be selected, so it was great to get the phone call and email telling me I was in the team.”
For Kieran, this opportunity represents more than just competition, it’s a chance to experience something new on the biggest stage of his career so far.
“It’s something different and exciting, the biggest competition I’ve been in. It will be fun staying with the England Team in Glasgow.”
Kieran is not limited to one distance though. From the explosive speed of the 400m to the endurance demands of the 1500m, he has built a well-rounded skill set that continues to shape him as an athlete.
“I run the 400m as it helps build my speed and I enjoy it,” he explains. “The 800m and 1500m are my main events.”
But his training doesn’t stop on the track. Kieran regularly takes part in parkruns, cross country races, and even longer road events like 10km races and the Brentwood Half Marathon.
“Doing the long races builds up your stamina and I love running out in the countryside.”
This range of distances has helped him develop both the physical and mental resilience needed to compete at a high level.
Training with Havering Athletic Club since the age of 14, Kieran has always been lucky enough to be part of a fully inclusive environment, working alongside non-disabled athletes and competing in both para and mainstream events, including representing Essex in cross country.
Under the guidance of his coach Patrick Gahagan, he has been able to thrive.
Since joining Havering Athletic Club at 14, Kieran has thrived in an inclusive environment, training and competing alongside non-disabled athletes, while also representing Essex in cross-country events. Under the guidance of coach Patrick Gahagan, he has continued to develop both as an athlete and as an individual.
“He treats all the athletes the same but explains the session clearly to me so I understand. He is a brilliant clear communicator.”
That support, combined with Kieran’s own dedication, has helped him reach new heights. Training six days a week, and sometimes twice a day, he fully embraces the routine that athletics brings to his life.
“I like training, so I don’t mind. It is good to have a routine and running makes me feel good.”
The benefits of sport have extended far beyond performance and competition. Through years of training, competing and travelling, Kieran has developed greater independence, confidence and resilience.
“My running and training have made me more independent and confident.”
Experiences such as training camps in Loughborough and competing internationally in countries including Italy and Sweden have further strengthened his self-belief, allowing him to become more confident both on and off the track.
Having started his running journey with little knowledge of the sport, Kieran understands how important encouragement and support can be. That’s why his message to other disabled people considering getting involved in sport is clear and reassuring:
“I would say have a go. Just enjoy it. My mum and dad say, ‘just do your best’.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, he adds:
“I didn’t know anything about running when I started but now, I’ve got the hang of it, it’s great. People will help you.”
As he prepares to represent Team England in Glasgow, Kieran remains characteristically humble and grounded. Rather than focusing solely on results, he is determined to make the most of the experience and enjoy competing on the biggest stage of his career.
“My main aim is just to enjoy the Commonwealth Games. Medals and PBs are nice, I might get one or I might not, it depends on the day. But the main thing is to do my best.”
It’s a philosophy that has guided him throughout his journey. While selection for Team England is a remarkable achievement, Kieran’s passion for running goes far beyond elite competition.
“I want to carry on running and doing parkruns in my 30s, 40s and 50s as I love it.”
That simple love of sport, combined with his determination, community spirit and willingness to encourage others, is what makes Kieran such an inspiring role model.
Kieran’s story is not just about elite performance and performing on the biggest stages in front of thousands. It’s about creating opportunity, inclusion and the role sport and physical activity can play to help build confidence and independence. Through his work in the community and his achievements, he continues to inspire others to take that first step and simply give things a go.
