More than 12,000 students from across Ireland joined today’s Olympians Live webinar, delivered as part of the Dare to Believe programme, for a morning of inspiration, insight and interaction with some of Team Ireland’s top athletes.
Hosted by Olympian Thomas Barr, the sessions, tailored for both primary and secondary school audiences, featured candid conversations with Olympic boxer Gráinne Walsh and Paralympic rower Tiarnán O’Donnell. Together, they shared powerful stories of their journeys in sport, reflecting on both the highs and the challenges they have faced along the way.
Gráinne Walsh brought a unique twist to the session, treating students to a live baking masterclass inspired by her popular Boxer Bites series, where she shares nutritious recipes on her social channels. Meanwhile, Tiarnán O’Donnell captivated audiences with his personal story of resilience, showcasing his bionic leg and even challenging students, and host Thomas Barr, to try single leg squats.
The session reinforced the importance of students hearing authentic athlete experiences. Both Walsh and O’Donnell highlighted that success is rarely a straight path, encouraging young people to back themselves, remain patient, and stay determined in pursuit of their goals.
Today’s webinar forms part of the Dare to Believe schools programme, an initiative of the Olympic Federation of Ireland supported by Olympic Solidarity and Allianz Ireland. The programme is designed to bring the Olympic and Paralympic spirit into classrooms nationwide.
Speaking following the event, Dare to Believe co-founder Róisín McGettigan said:
“Dare to Believe is about bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to life for young people, sharing the values of resilience, courage and respect through the real stories of our athletes.”
With record engagement and powerful storytelling, today’s Olympians Live once again demonstrated the impact of connecting Ireland’s young people with the lived experiences of its sporting heroes.