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Thomas Barr, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and Sports Performance at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, is one of Ireland’s most decorated track and field athletes. Specialising in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay, Thomas represented Ireland at three Olympic Games and earned multiple international medals.

Thomas was born in Waterford to loving and supportive parents Tommy and Martina in 1992. As an energetic and enthusiastic young boy, Thomas’ athletic journey began at the age of 8 - while himself, his older sister Jessie, and younger sister Becky were sampling an array of sports and activities in their locality. He was not an incredibly talented juvenile, but Thomas was the epitome of a social athlete in Ferrybank AC – partaking for the fun of it! During his formative years he began to specialise in the high jump and 400m hurdles events, events which Jessie had made her mark in already as a juvenile and junior athlete.

His breakthrough came in 2015 with gold at the World University Games. But it was in 2016 that Thomas truly captured the nation’s imagination. At the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, Thomas produced a stunning performance in the final of the 400m hurdles to finish fourth, setting a national record of 47.97 seconds and a lifetime personal best, a record that still stands. In 2018, he won bronze at the European Championships, becoming the first Irish male sprinter to medal at an outdoor European event. In 2024, he helped Ireland win gold in the mixed 4x400m relay at the European Championships and bronze at the World Relay Championships.

Often seen training on the track on campus, Thomas credits UL’s high- performance environment and coaches Hayley and Drew Harrison for shaping his career and later his strength and conditioning coach and Olympian - Tommy Comyns. His journey from a late-blooming athlete to a world- class competitor is a testament to perseverance and belief. He retired in January of this year, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and mentorship.

Thomas Barr’s contributions to Irish athletics and his enduring connection to UL make him a deserving recipient of the UL Alumni Award for his contribution to sport.