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"I want to inspire people to stay true to themselves, find their own voice, and develop real self-confidence."

From Track to Workplace: Orla Comerford’s Guide to Staying Strong and Healthy

Orla Comerford, an inspiring Irish Paralympic champion and athlete ambassador at Allianz, shares her key strategies for success across three crucial stages of your career journey: the application process, the interview, and the everyday challenges at the workplace. 
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Orla, throughout your career as an elite athlete, you’ve overcome many challenges. Which of your mental and physical health strategies can be applied to the business world?

Absolutely! Living your passion while staying healthy is key, whether in sports or at work. One of the main strategies I always use is setting clear, measurable goals. As a sprinter, I set goals related to my race times and review my performance after each training session. The same principle can be applied to your career. 
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How ambitious should your goals be?

Don’t be afraid to dream big if it motivates you. For example, when I went to Paris, I aimed for gold. In the end, I won the bronze medal – and I was still thrilled, especially after the initial disappointment. If I had aimed for bronze from the start, I probably wouldn’t have made it to the podium at all.
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Orla‘s Tips for the Career Orientation Phase 

  • Set ambitious, yet realistic goals and track your progress.
  • Adjust your goals and plans if you’re not progressing.
  • Seek feedback, validation, and advice from those around you.

Extra Tip: Journaling

Keeping a written journal to track goals, successes, setbacks, and emotions helps identify patterns, gain clarity, and stay motivated by making progress visible.


A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
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How do you stay strong and perform at your best during competitions?

What helps me stay strong and focused is optimal preparation: . I build confidence by reflecting on my hard work and progress. Knowing my challenges and how to handle them helps me stay focused. On competition day, I avoid extra stress by preparing everything in advance – from gear to snacks – so I can fully concentrate on my performance. In the moment before the competition starts, I stand strong and I repeat to myself, almost like a mantra, “You're here, you're ready, you're confident.” 
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Orla‘s Tips for the Application Phase

  • Focus on your strengths, hard work, and past achievements. Then you can confidently show how your experience and successes set you apart.
  • Turn challenges into learnings. Demonstrate how you’ve grown from obstacles.
  • Prepare for peak moments. Build routines that keep you focused and energized when it matters most.

Extra Tip: Power Pose

Take a short break before any performance-related appointment to align your posture, breathing, and inner confidence. Find a stable, upright position with deep, conscious breathing and empowering internal messages.
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
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What healthy habits should (future) employees of Allianz incorporate into their workday?

Even small rituals can make a big difference – as long as you practice them consistently. They should fit naturally into your day: stand up regularly at your desk, stretch, or take a walk during lunch instead of sitting in the cafeteria. Find what feels good for you. Personally, walking my dog helps me relax and recharge.
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How do you recover best, especially if you‘re working in a demanding environment? 

Progress doesn’t come from constantly pushing harder. Your body and mind need time to recover. That can mean spending time with loved ones, enjoying solitude, or pursuing a passion – for me, it’s art. Taking time to rest allows you to regain energy and perform at your best.
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Orla‘s Tips for the Daily Work Routine

  • Fuel your body with healthy foods that provide energy and essential nutrients.
  • It’s ok to indulge, too.
  • Move to feel good. It’s easiest when you discover your passion.

Extra Tip: Get Moving Together

Cycling, hiking, team sports, yoga – there are many ways to be active as a group. Exercising with like-minded people makes it more fun, keeps you motivated, and provides mutual support.
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

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About Orla Comerford

Born in Dublin in 1997, she is an accomplished Irish Para athlete and Allianz athlete ambassador. Despite progressivley losing her vision since the age of 11 due to Stargardt‘s disease, her passion for athletics remained strong. She has competed in multiple Paralympic Games and Championships, earning a bronze medal in the 100 meters at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. In addition to her sports career, she pursues her love of art. Orla has a degree in Fine Art Media from the National College of Art & Design and works part-time in the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin. 
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

Allianz Olympic & Paralympic Partnership

We're proud to be the Worldwide Insurance Partner of the Olympic & Paralympic Movements. Sharing the Olympic and Paralympic values, this partnership inspires us to provide confidence in tomorrow - for our customers and our employees.