It is clear to see that swimming is one of Team Ireland’s strongest events with the great performances by youngster Ní Riain and Ellen Keane’s gold
Ireland have made a very strong start to the Tokyo Paralympics with Keane earning a memorable gold medal this morning and teammate Nicole Turner reaching the finals in her only event so far.
🇮🇪 There's the Irish tricolour raised high in Tokyo.
🥇 Well done, Ellen Keane. All those years of hard work paying off.#TeamIreland #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/iMoNzEUw5P
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) August 26, 2021
But one of Ireland’s newest gems is their youngest athlete Róisín Ní Riain. The 16-year-old is at her debut Games and has reached two finals in her opening two races, setting new personal bests along the way.
Now it was time for the freestyle.
Imagine being only 16 at your first Paralympic Games and making the final with a 3 second PB 🎉 Roisin Ni Riain lane 6 pic.twitter.com/g5i7Z1VyoF
— Alana Frattaroli (@ThrowerLana) August 25, 2021
Róisín Ní Riain – Women’s 400m Freestyle (Heats)
This was one of Ní Riain’s longer events needing eight long lengths of the pool. She made a strong, demanding start as she remained with the leading group.
As the race progress and the lactic acid began to fill her muscles, the teenager showed no signs of slowing and powered her way to the finish line.
She hit the wall in a time of 4:45.14, setting yet another personal best for herself. This result will be good enough for her to qualify for the women’s final later today.
The final race will take place at 11:43 Irish time this morning and all Irish fans should tune in to see Ireland’s future Paralympic great in action.
At 16-years old, Róisín Ní Riain will make her #Paralympics debut as the youngest member of the @ParalympicsIRE squad. The talented swimmer made her International Championship debut earlier in May where she won bronze in the S13 backstroke! pic.twitter.com/hpe2lpdLAx
— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) August 20, 2021
