How elite athletes like Mona McSharry inspire Irish kids to play sports

Analysis: New research shows compelling evidence of the positive influence of Irish athletes on young people's engagement in sports

By Eimear Kelly and Aoife Lane, TUS Athlone

When the Ireland 4x400m mixed relay team swept to victory at the European Athletics Championships last month, it wasn't just a baton they were passing on. Across the country inspired young athletes dared to dream that they could be the next Chris O'Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr or Sharlene Mawdsley. We are now seeing the same thing happening at the Olympics as Mona McSharry, Daniel Wiffen and Kellie Harrington perform at the highest level

Sport Ireland’s Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity Study found 60% of boys and 48% of girls said sports stars were the most likely to inspire them to play sports, surpassing other influences such as parents, coaches, and friends. The SHE Research Centre has carried out detailed data analysis on sub sections of the student survey, to provide compelling evidence for the positive influence of these elite athletes on young people's sports engagement.

But don't take just our word for it. All you had to do was listen to the children at the Dublin Juvenile Athletic Championships in Santry a few days after the race. "Rhasidat Adeleke ran a great second leg, it was great... It’s such an inspiration because Tom Barr has been around here for what, 12 or 13 years and he’s still going and he’s just amazing... It just gives us a big push so we can prove when we’re older we can be just like them... I thought it was absolutely phenomenal. They were so strong. Sharlene Mawdsley did an amazing finish. I look up to her so much... "

Out of the mouths of babes they say, and certainly those children's enthusiasm and exuberance reinforces just how important role models are. Our detailed analysis of the study data shows both male and female youths with sports star role models are nearly three times more likely to be members of sports clubs and to play sports weekly or more frequently. The characteristics of these role models — similarity, success, and relevance — plays a crucial role in their impact.

When asked to name the sports star who most inspires them, young boys were more likely to choose highly successful, well-known male international soccer stars. In contrast, young girls favoured both male and female stars equally, often selecting Irish athletes, with a significant number choosing Gaelic games players.

Our research has continued to delve into this topic, focusing on young camogie players and intercounty players. The findings reveal that sports stars inspire young girls to practice and train harder. One girl told us: "If he does like a good jink or like a good point, you might want to train to do the same." Another said: "When a sports star comes down to training, it really helps because people put a lot more effort in."

Inter-county Gaelic games players also recognise their role in inspiring the next generation. They understand that being a local hero who is seen on TV or at matches can motivate young athletes to strive for more. As one player told us: "It’s just giving them a view that it’s more than just playing with your friends and more than just playing your club — you can go that little bit further if you put the effort in."

In a broader sense, sports stars are a vital part of the larger sports ecosystem, which includes volunteers, parents, coaches, officials, and administrators. As we watch the Irish athletes in action in Paris, the visibility of these sports stars becomes even more crucial. Young people seek out those who inspire and influence them, dreaming of the day they too might shine on the field, track, or court. We can look forward to the incredible power of inspiration and the enduring impact of those who lead by example.

The Children's Sport Participation and Physical Activity Study is a comprehensive research initiative commissioned by Sport Ireland that examines various aspects of children's involvement in sports and physical activities in Ireland.