It’s destination Paris as World Games come calling for Mary

A determination to succeed, fostered with an unbreakable spirit, has led Mary Fitzgerald to the global stage of athletics.

Having already represented Ireland in the Paralympic Games - the pinnacle of her sport - the Kilkenny native will go up against the world’s best when she competes for Ireland at the Para Athletics World Championships in Paris in July.

Born and raised in Callan,  Fitzgerald who wears the club colours of Gowran AC, spoke about her experience of growing up with a disability with magnitudes of maturity.

“It was definitely very challenging at times,” she said. “Growing up many people would always concentrate on the things I couldn’t do. I was so lucky to have such a supportive family who always showed me what I could do” she said.

Fitzgerald said her disability didn’t stop her from being drawn to sport; whether it was playing football in the garden or any of the many team sports she played growing up, Fitzgerald always had a love for sport.

As she got older and the size difference between her and her competitors grew bigger, the mountain grew taller. However, once Fitzgerald saw the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships she had her sights set.

“At the age of 11 I discovered the world of parasport,” she said. “Watching those World Championships showed me an acknowledgement of strength amongst people with disabilities like me - it showed me there was a place for me in sport.”

This passion carried through to the 2012 London Paralympics.

“Watching the 2012 London Paralympics was definitely a milestone in my life,” she said. “In that moment I knew I wanted to be there competing someday. I wanted to do it not only for others, but more importantly to prove to myself that I was capable of competing on a worldwide stage, to find my place in the world.”

After competing in the Paralympics at 19 years old Fitzgerald looked back on her childhood dreams with a sense of achievement, but also a feeling of fire.

“I look back and realise, I’m exactly where I dreamed I’d be one day,” she said, “but this is only the beginning.”

When asked about her journey to becoming an esteemed and accomplished athlete, Mary spoke about how she decided she was going to be more than what others may have thought of her.

“I see myself as more than just a girl with a disability,” she says. “I had to prove to myself what kind of person I am. I’ve always been very competitive in everything I do. I always want to be the best and give nothing less than 100%.

“Everyone has blips in life, some more than others, but you just have to have tunnel vision on your goals” she said.

Fitzgerald is looking forward to taking part in her second World Championships and flying the flag for Ireland.

“I’m so excited to use what I’ve learned,” she said. “No amount of money can buy experience at these events. I’m really, really excited to get back to the big stage - there is no bigger honour than being able to represent your country on a worldwide stage.”

Alongside the rest of Team Ireland, Mary has her head down in preparation for Paris. Although she says the lead up can get very intense, she maintains it’s extremely important to always enjoy your training.

“What’s your reason why if you don’t love what you do?” she said. “If you’re not enjoying it anymore, you have to bring it back to the basics and show yourself why you started.”

Although the World Championships are first and foremost on Fitzgerald’s mind, her future is geared towards a return to the Paralympics in August 2024.

Fitzgerald also spoke about her excitement to begin working as an occupational therapist. She values the course she undertook in University College Cork and displays her passion and interest in the occupational therapy realm.

She hopes to be a high performance athlete for years to come, but has also voiced her opinion on maintaining a substantial career outside of competing.