European Gold Medallist & Olympian Thomas Barr joins Exchange!
20th May 2025, 17:23p.m. | National
We are proud to announce that European Championships Gold Medallist & Olympian Thomas Barr will be joining us as a keynote speaker at the 2025 Gymnastics Ireland Exchange at the Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, on Friday 13th June.
About the Speaker
Thomas Barr is one of Ireland’s most accomplished and inspiring athletes. A three-time Olympian and national record holder in the 400m hurdles, Barr rose to international acclaim with his stunning fourth-place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Since then, he has competed at the highest level of world athletics, earning European and World Relay medals and helping lead Ireland to a historic gold in the mixed 4x400m relay at the 2024 European Championships.
The road to success was far from easy for Barr. Throughout his career, he faced setbacks - persistent injuries, the pressure of balancing elite sport with demanding studies, and the mental toll of near misses on the world stage. After narrowly missing out on a medal at the Rio Olympics, Thomas endured periods of self-doubt and physical setbacks that tested his resilience. But it was through these challenges that he built the grit and perspective that now define him - not just as an athlete, but as a leader and role model. His story is one of perseverance, proving that true success is not about a straight line to the podium, but about the determination to keep showing up, no matter what.
Barr’s engaging personality and positive nature have made him a fan favourite and a role model for aspiring athletes. Away from the track, He has a passion for extreme sports, DIY, and loves to experience new things, and is looking forward to the next stage of life after sport!
Event Schedule & Ticketing Information
The full event schedule and further information about online activities and speakers will be released soon. The in-person day on Friday 13th June will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm and will feature a variety of keynote speakers, workshops and member engagement activities witha a particular focus on Club & Facility Development for clubs of all sizes with industry experts delivering informative and practical advice.
Club Dinner & Networking Event
Thanks to all clubs who have already reserved their 2 x complementary places for the in-person day. Additional tickets for this event can be purchased at a cost of €50 per person.
As previously outlined, Gymnastics Ireland will provide all member clubs who sign up 2 x free passes to each virtual session throughout the week plus the in-person keynote speaker conference day on Friday 13th June, which includes a hotel room free of charge in the Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown and a dinner networking event taking place that evening from 7pm.
Any clubs that have already secured their dinner & accommodation requirements will be contacted prior to the event regarding hotel location & check in details. If the club's circumstances change and your members can no longer attend this event please e-mail [email protected] to plan accordingly and avoid any cancellation charges.
About Gymnastics Ireland Exchange
The Gymnastics Ireland Exchange returns for 2025 for its 3rd edition from Monday 9th June to Friday 13th June. This hybrid virtual and in person knowledge exchange conference will run across the week with the flagship in-person keynote and workshop day taking place on Friday 13th June in the Carlton Hotel, Blanchardstown. Followed by the new Participation event that weekend in the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena.
Sign-Up Now! – Deadline Monday 26th May
Don’t miss out! Sign up by e-mailing [email protected] your club’s requirements before Monday 26th May.
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