The Irish Athletes’Commission organised a day-time event to give an update on the Tokyo 2020 plans and outline the proposed programme of activity for the Athletes’ Commission in 2019, in Dublin on 17 December.

’Mental Strength and the Road to Tokyo’ is the first in a series of events in the lead up to Tokyo 2020, focusing on  mental fortitude during the qualification process of an Olympic cycle.

“It’s your commission, we’re here to represent you,” ex-alpine ski racer and Chair of the National Athletes’ Commission Shane O’Connor kicked off the conference this morning. “Everybody’s journey is different. It’s the most amazing honour to represent your country at an Olympics”.

The event was designed to prepare aspiring Olympians for their Olympic journey drawing on the experience of the Irish Olympic family. The event was attended by a wide spectrum of people across 20 sports, from junior athletes to seasoned Olympians.

An exciting line up of speakers shared their career stories and thoughts, such as an inspirational presentation was delivered by adventurer and former professional rugby player Damian Browne, who gave insights into his epic solo trip across the Atlantic and spoke about mental toughness, resilience and challenge.

This was followed by a discussion on the Olympic journey by some of Ireland’s best-known Olympians, including Derval O’Rourke, David Gillick and Kenny Egan, alongside Sports Psychologist with the Sport Ireland Institute, Kate Kirby.