**DEFINITION:**
Peter O’Connor was an Irish athlete renowned for his achievements in long jump and sprinting during the early 20th century. He set multiple world records and represented Ireland and Great Britain in international competitions.
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# Peter O’Connor
Peter O’Connor (1872–1957) was an Irish track and field athlete best known for his accomplishments in the long jump and sprint events. He gained international recognition in the early 1900s, setting a world record in the long jump that stood for nearly 20 years.
## Early Life and Background
Born in County Cork, Ireland, O’Connor developed an interest in athletics at a young age. He competed primarily in long jump and sprinting events, quickly establishing himself as one of Ireland’s leading athletes.
## Athletic Career
O’Connor’s most notable achievement came in 1901 when he set a long jump world record of 24 feet 11¾ inches (7.61 meters), a mark that remained unbeaten until 1921. He also competed in the 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens, where he won a silver medal in the long jump and a bronze in the triple jump. Despite representing Great Britain in some competitions due to Ireland’s political status at the time, O’Connor was a vocal advocate for Irish sporting independence.
## Legacy
Peter O’Connor is remembered as one of Ireland’s pioneering athletes and a symbol of national pride in sport. His long jump record and international successes helped raise the profile of Irish athletics on the world stage.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
Peter O’Connor was an Irish athlete known for setting a long jump world record and winning medals in early 20th-century international competitions. He remains a significant figure in Irish sports history.