Speaker – Thomas Barr

Thomas Barr is one of Ireland’s most respected and liked athletes, a three-time Olympian, European medallist, and World Relay medallist who specialised in the 400m hurdles. His unforgettable 47.97 Irish record in the Rio 2016 Olympic final remains a defining sporting moment for the nation. He later secured European bronze in 2018 and was on the Irish mixed 4×400m relay that medalled at the World and European Championships in 2024.

Across a decade competing at the highest level, Thomas earned a reputation for resilience, consistency, and delivering his best when it mattered most while also embracing the moment, enjoying the journey, and bringing a positive energy that lifted those around him. In his talks, he shares the mindset frameworks behind that success practical strategies for focus, emotional regulation, confidence, and recovering stronger from setbacks.

Off the track, Thomas holds a Master’s in Sports Science and a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since officially retiring from international athletics in January 2025, Thomas has begun an exciting new chapter as a professional speaker and a high-energy MC/Host working with organisations including the Olympic Federation of Ireland’s corporate team, and a workshop facilitator with Develop Me overall, channelling his experience and passion into inspiring performance, teamwork, and personal growth in others.

Passionate about giving back, Thomas thrives in environments where he can motivate others whether that’s corporate teams, leadership groups, youth organisations, or sporting communities. His message is simple: enjoy the journey, embrace pressure, and let every challenge inspire your best performance.