Orla Comerford

About Orla

The story so far.

Orla Comerford is one of Ireland’s most high-performing Paralympians, having represented Ireland at three consecutive Games; Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. Her bronze medal in the 100m at the Paris Paralympics was a career highlight and one of Team Ireland’s most inspiring moments at the Games.

In September 2025, Orla further improved on that performance claiming the T13 100m world title at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, running 11.88 seconds to set a championship record, just one hundredth of a second outside her personal best. She added to the tally when winning the 200m T13 Title.

Diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a degenerative eye condition, at the age of 11, Orla has built a career defined by resilience and determination. Her ability to perform at the highest level, despite the challenges of her condition, has made her both a standout athlete on the track and an inspirational role model off it.

Her story has gained significant attention in the Irish media, with Orla discussing her journey of embracing her disability, rebuilding confidence after setbacks, and taking pride in her identity as both an elite athlete and a creative professional.

Outside of athletics, Orla combines her passion for sport with creative pursuits. A Fine Art Media graduate, she works at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in the arts sector.