On episode 211 I am delighted to be joined by Irish sprinting coach Gerard O’Donnell. Gerard is head coach at Dublin sprint where he trains elite athletes including Sophie Becker and Jack Rafferty, and national relay coach for all of the national squads. 

Gerard is also a national champion himself competing in the hurdles however is focusing on coaching and is a full time athletics coach. 

We discuss coaching, athletics, mechanics, how to program sprinting to get faster, his advice to GAA coaches, his approach with elite athletes and more. 

We discuss his thoughts on what separates the best from the rest, recent Irish success and who he learns from.

This is a fascinating insight into the life and approach of an elite sprint coach with insights for anyone involved in not just athletics but GAA, Basketball, soccer and beyond. 

This episode was recorded in person in December 2025.

Follow Gerard here

https://www.instagram.com/dublin_sprint/

https://www.instagram.com/gerard_od_/

https://www.godspeed.ie/

Thanks to our sponsor Taranis Recovery. Use the discount code SIDELINE15 for 15% off your purchase on ⁠⁠⁠⁠taranisrecovery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ . An Irish-owned brand focused on helping athletes recover smarter, Rise higher and Live stronger. 

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: 

⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠