Women in Sport: Ireland Rugby 7s Olympic team player Kathy Baker
In this instalment of our Women in Sport series, we hear from Kathy Baker on her sporting inspirations, biggest goals and proudest achievements.
Kathy Baker is a professional athlete who played a key role in the Ireland 7s Olympic team during the 2024 Paris Olympics and featured in SVNS series in Dubai, where Ireland finished sixth. Outside of sport, Kathy is pursuing a personal training qualification.
Earliest sporting memory?
My dad told me that when I was younger I said I wanted to go to the Olympics, when he asked me what sport I said I didn’t know yet.
How did you become involved in your sport?
My parents both played hockey so my sisters and I would spend our weekends in buggies on the sidelines until we were old enough to play ourselves. I started many other sports after that.
What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in pursuing a career as an athlete?
Making it to the peak in any sport is hard work, but that should not stop you from giving it your all. The tough times only make you stronger.
Proudest moment so far?
Stepping out on the pitch for Ireland during the 2024 Paris Olympics despite a major ACL injury seven months before being selected. The noise from the Irish fans in the stadium was exhilarating.
The female athlete I admire most is…
Billie Jean King because of her bravery to challenge the perception of women’s athletic abilities.
Favourite sporting memory?
Qualifying for the Olympics. I couldn’t believe that we had done it. Not in our wildest dreams did we think we would be mixing it with the best 7s teams in the world at the Olympics!
Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?
Yes, I believe that the stigma attached to women’s sport is still visible. The numbers of participants and growing audiences for most women’s sports is increasing year by year, which shows major strides being taken by the powers that be in each sport, but I still think there are steps to take to compare with men’s sport.
What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?
The biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports is often the lack of media coverage and representation. Women’s sports receive significantly less attention than men’s sports, which affects sponsorship opportunities, audience engagement and overall investment.
The biggest misconception that exists in women’s sport is…
That female athletes are not as skilled or competitive as their male counterparts. This belief undermines the hard work, talent and dedication that women put into their sports. It often leads to a lack of support, funding and media coverage, which can perpetuate the cycle of inequality in sports. Changing this narrative is essential for promoting gender equality and recognising the achievements of female athletes.
If I wasn’t an athlete I would be…
Honestly, I don’t know, I’m still figuring that part out.
My favourite pre-game meal is…
Pasta usually and when we are in countries that have it, Cinnabon.
My pre-game playlist includes…
Some early 2000s bangers and singalongs.
My daily routine is…
I wake up at 6am and wash my face, brush my teeth and get dressed. I usually leave the house at 6:20am. When I arrive for training the first thing I do is have breakfast and I can never go without my coffee! Before we head out to the pitch we have a team meeting then we head out to train. After the pitch session, I jump into the shower before we move on to a gym session. After another shower, we all head up for lunch and review the entire session. Unfortunately, when I get home I usually have to put a wash on and ready myself for the next day. To wind down at the end of the evening I watch TV and then I’m off to bed.
My biggest sporting goal…
I always wanted to be an Olympian and now that I’ve made it there I just want to be the best athlete I can be.
Sports brands I love include…
Revive Active and Cold Water Club.
My biggest splurge to celebrate a win is…
I love the comradery with the team, so I love a meal out with everyone.
How do you mind your mental health?
Through the tough times, we are very lucky to have support around which I use from the IRFU and Tackle Your Feelings.
My three desert island beauty products are:
Cerave face wash, suncream and toothpaste.
I need 8 hours of sleep a night because….
Sleep is essential for recovery. I always feel revitalised after a good night’s sleep, I train better and feel much better with more sleep.
Confidence, to me, is…
Being yourself despite anyone else’s judgement.
How do you get over a bad performance?
Watch the footage and learn from it. I need to forget about the negatives in the game because we often have a short turnaround time until our next game. You have to be able to drop the baggage of a bad performance and leave it behind you. I think it is crucial not to take a bad performance into your next game.
Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national and personal level?
Sport plays a vital role in community life for several reasons:
1. Building Connections: Sports bring people together, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging within clubs and local communities. They create opportunities for social interaction and teamwork.
2. Promoting Health: Engaging in sports encourages physical activity, which is essential for maintaining health and well-being.
3. Cultural Identity: On a national level, sports can be a source of pride and identity.
4. Youth Development: Sports provide young people with important life skills, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership. They also offer a constructive outlet for energy and creativity.
5. Community Engagement: Local sports events can boost community spirit and involvement, bringing together diverse groups of people for a common purpose.
6. Mental Well-being: Participating in sports can reduce stress and anxiety, improving mental health. It offers a break from daily routines and a chance to unwind.
Kathy Baker is an ambassador for the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and along with her fellow ambassadors, spearheaded the ‘Be A Good Human’ campaign this past Christmas.