Robert Heffernan - Speaker

Robert Heffernan is one of Ireland’s most decorated athletes and a respected voice in high-performance sport. A five-time Olympian and former world champion, he offers a compelling perspective on resilience, focus and sustained excellence over a career spanning more than two decades.

Rob first took up race walking after being overlooked for his school’s Gaelic football team. What started as a casual pursuit developed into a lifelong commitment to representing his country at the highest level. Over the years, he built an international reputation for discipline and determination, eventually becoming Ireland’s only male athlete to win medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships.

As a five-time Olympian, Rob secured bronze at the 2012 London Olympics and claimed gold at the 2013 World Championship in the 50km race walk. He holds all Irish national records in race walking and served as Ireland's Athletics Team Captain at the Rio Olympics.

Rob’s experience extends beyond competition. He has since taken on roles as a performance coach and broadcaster, drawing on years of training, competition and leadership at an international level. He shares insights not only on physical endurance but on the mental and emotional challenges of elite sport.

His story is one of persistence, strategy and an unwavering commitment to clean sport. Whether addressing athletes, teams or organisations, Rob brings clarity and credibility to conversations about performance, purpose and long-term success.