Nicola Tuthill claims silver at World University Games to follow in the footsteps of Sonia O'Sullivan

Sun, 27 Jul, 2025 - 14:08

Ireland’s athletics success at the 32nd World University Games in Germany has continued, with hammer thrower Nicola Tuthill (UCD AC) securing a brilliant silver medal — just days after Kate O’Connor’s gold in the heptathlon.

The Kilbrittain native emulated Leeside legend Sonia O'Sullivan, who captured gold and silver in 1991, along with Ailis McSweeney, a silver medalist in 2005, and Derval O'Rourke, who landed a bronze the same year.

Leesider Tuthill delivered an outstanding final throw of 69.98m to confirm her second-place finish behind gold medallist Zhao Jie (CHN) who threw 72.80m. Speaking after the event, Tuthill stated how she found her rhythm as the rounds progressed, adding another prestigious international medal to her growing collection following her silver medal at the European U23 Championships just last week.

“I’m delighted — it’s my first medal on the world stage”, said Tuthill after the final.

And to come off winning silver at the U23 European Championships last week, it’s very special.

"It was somewhat of a stressful competition because some of my first throws were some of the worst I’ve had all season, and my last five competitions have all been over 70 meters, so I was glad to see it slowly improve in the final — and thank God it did.”

Tuthill’s Throw Summary: 66.29 - X - 66.03 - 67.80 - 68.46 - 𝟔𝟗.𝟗𝟖

Tuthill’s silver adds to Ireland’s proud athletics history at the World University Games, joining a list of medallists that includes athletics greats like Sonia O’Sullivan, Ronnie Delany, and Thomas Barr.

Tuthill with her coach Killian Barry. Picture: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

The medals secured at the World University Games continue the momentum of a remarkable two weeks for Irish athletics, with 11 international medals returning home across the World University Games (Gold & Silver), European U23 Championships (Gold, Silver x 2, Bronze x2), and European Youth Olympics (Bronze x 4).

World University Games Medals (Athletics)

1930 400m Patrick C Moore BRONZE 50.0

1961 800m Ronnie Delany GOLD 1.51.1

1961 Hammer John Lawlor BRONZE 63.33m

1991 1500m Niall Bruton GOLD 3.50.69

1991 1500m Sonia O’Sullivan GOLD 4.12.14

1991 3,000m Sonia O’Sullivan SILVER 8.56.35

1993 Discus Nick Sweeney BRONZE 62.52m

2001 1500m Gareth Turnbull SILVER 3.44.21

2003 200m Paul Hession SILVER 20.89 (-0.7)

2005 200m Paul Hession BRONZE 21.02 (+1.1)

2005 100m Ailis McSweeney SILVER 11.68 (+1.1)