Let us build on how Olympic role models inspire sports participation

Research shows that young people who identify a sports star as a role model are significantly more active in the sport, can we expand on that process

Kellie Harrington shows her medals to young fan, at her homecoming on Kilkenny St Dublin, last week. Stars sharing their success with young people is shown to generate participation in the sport among the fans. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

With the Olympic Games in the rear-view mirror, it is only now that the athletes can truly see the real impact that they have had on people across the island. 

Throughout the games, a major feature in post-event interviews with David Gillick was the impact that these athletes hoped to have on the next generation, particularly around inspiring young people to participate in their sport whether it was Phil Healy and athletics, Rhys McClenaghan and gymnastics or Kellie Harrington and boxing. Ultimately, this is exactly what these athletes are role models for, encouraging young people to be active, resilient, hardworking, and healthy in and through sport.