Women in Sport: Paralympic shot put athlete Mary FitzGerald

Mary FitzGerald is a Paralympian from Kilkenny. While she is currently focusing on shot put, she has also competed internationally in javelin and discus. She joined the Irish Paralympic team in 2019, and since then she has competed at two world para athletics championships (Dubai 2019 and Paris 2023), the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games (finishing 7th), and the 2021 European Para Athletics Championships (Bydgoszcz, Poland), winning bronze.

Mary also qualified as an Occupational Therapist after graduating from University College Cork in June 2022. As well as working part-time as a paediatric Occupational Therapist, she is currently preparing for the 2024 world para athletics championships in Kobe, Japan (May, 2024) and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Here is Mary FitzGerald’s sporting story so far…

Name: Mary FitzGerald

Profession: Paralympic shot put athlete and Occupational Therapist

Earliest sporting memory?

Primary school sports days. These events were always lots of fun, but also super competitive.

How did you become involved in your sport?

At the age of 10, a friend suggested that I should consider trying out para athletics. I initially got involved through IWA-Sport, who cater for people with various different disabilities. I tried out everything but I particularly liked javelin, shot put, and discus. I fell in love from the start, and I set ambitious goals for my future Paralympic career that day.

What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in pursuing a career as an athlete?

Sport has brought me happiness and has taught me so much about life, and I would love for each girl to experience the same. I would encourage trying out a variety of sports until you find a sport that you love, and to explore the numerous opportunities available through sport. I would urge them not to be disheartened or put off by setbacks, and the negative attitudes of others. Most importantly – have fun!

Proudest moment so far?

My 7th place finish at Tokyo 2020, my first Paralympic Games. Walking out into the Olympic stadium wearing the Irish singlet was an incredibly proud moment that I will never forget. I was proud to make the final, despite the unpredictable build up and sometimes unusual preparations for the Games. Tokyo was also where I became a Paralympian, which was a dream of mine from a young age, so it holds a special place in my heart.

The female athlete I admire most is…

Ellie Simmonds, a Paralympic swimmer from the UK. She has won several medals across multiple Paralympic Games and para swimming world championships. She was one of the many Paralympians that inspired me to get involved when I watched the London 2012 Paralympics on TV. Since retiring from competitive swimming, she has done so much for the Paralympic Movement in terms of increasing awareness and participation, as well as getting involved in commentary.

Favourite sporting memory…

Winning gold at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Paris in June 2022 with a personal best throw.

Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?

As a nation, I believe that we have come a long way in how we view and appreciate women’s sport – the women’s football team and their history-making performance at the World Cup earlier this year is a great example of that. However, do I believe that women’s sport is still not appreciated and admired as much as it should be, and as much as men’s sport? Definitely.

What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?

I understand that a number of factors will drive visibility, but I feel it begins with funding. Along with the help of increased funding, I believe an increase in duration and an improvement in media coverage of women’s sport will play a significant role in how we appreciate women’s sporting events. Furthermore, as important as it is to get girls involved in sport in the first place, we have to make sure that they are supported in the right way to have long-lasting careers in sport that last well beyond their younger years.

The biggest stigma/pre-conception that exists in women’s sport is…

That women’s sport is not as elite or high-level as men’s sport. Women commit just as much time and make just as many sacrifices (if not more, when it comes to having children, for example) than men. As in men’s sport, the standard in women’s sport has reached such a high level in recent years, both nationally and internationally. Everyone should appreciate the skill and talent that is required to not only compete, but also sustain performance at this level.

If I wasn’t an athlete I would be…

A full-time Occupational Therapist and most likely working with animals in some capacity too.

My favourite pre-competition meal is…

I usually have quite a large meal the night before my competition. Once I have a good carbohydrate source and a lean protein source, I’m usually pretty happy, but something with chicken and pasta is my go-to.

My pre-competition playlist includes…

Lots of upbeat ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s music.

My daily routine is…

Training six days per week and working part-time as an OT means that every day is different, which I love. Nevertheless, every morning starts with a coffee. Having a substantial breakfast, usually with eggs and a smoothie, really sets me up for the day ahead. Some days I’m straight into work, while other days I get stuck into a training session around 10am – either way, I also have a training session in the evening. I love how every day is different and brings something new.

My biggest sporting goal is…

To win gold at the Paralympic Games.

Sports brands I love (Irish or otherwise)…

Lululemon, Oysho, Asics, Hoka, Nike.

Biggest splurge to celebrate a win…

After a major championship, I often purchase a piece of jewellery, like a ring or watch. I’m a very sentimental person, so I always like to mark special moments. Even though we travel a lot during the competition season, I like to travel abroad with friends and family (without my shot puts) in the off-season and see the world.

How do you mind your mental health?

I tune in to how I am feeling a lot – how happy I am, and if I’m really feeling my true self. As athletes, or indeed human beings, everything is not perfect 24/7, 365. However, if I am unhappy or not enjoying myself for a sustained period of time, I take a step back, talk to friends or family, try to identify the stressor or the problem area, and make a change if I can. I value my mental health and see it as important as my physical health, not just for my performance as an athlete, but for my health and well-being off the athletics track too.

My three desert island beauty products are…

My Laura Mercier concealer, Laura Mercier melted sugar lipgloss, and Clinique moisturiser.

I need 8-9 hours of sleep a night because…

It’s what I have established as the optimal duration of sleep for my performance. While I place a lot of importance on the sleep that I have the night before a competition, I tend to focus on the weeks of sleep in the build up to the event to make sure I perform at my best.

Confidence, to me, is…

Trust and belief in oneself.

How do you get over a bad performance?

I am very lucky that my family and friends are always there for me, no matter whether I perform or not. After giving myself time to process, I remind myself that I am not defined by my bad performances. I remind myself that I have bounced back from every bad performance/setback to date, and this time it will not be any different, no matter how unlikely it seems. I try to adopt a growth mindset, and even if it is very difficult, I try to see a positive, a lesson, or an opportunity that could come as a result of a bad performance.

Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national and personal level?

Sport is powerful. It has the power to bring people together, to unite people, no matter what differences. Sharing sporting experiences with our friends and family that give us fabulous memories for life draws us together for sporting events again and again. Whether you’re a competitor or a spectator, we get so invested in our local and national athletes and teams.

Feature image via Sam Barnes, Sports File. Stadium image via Lukas Schulze.