It was a big day today for 13-year-old Nicole Turner from Co. Laois as she secured her first major medal when she won silver in the 200m Individual Medley SM6 final this evening.
The talented young star booked her spot in the final earlier today, after an incredible swim in the heats saw her achieve a Personal Best in a time of 3.19.79.
As the day progressed though, it was clear that Nicole was on form, and she secured yet another superb Personal Best in the final just after 5pm this evening when she swam home in a time of 3.14.41 to claim the silver medal.
Speaking afterwards she said: “It feels amazing. To have a silver medal is great. I’m amazed, I thought I was fighting for bronze but silver is just amazing.” (You can find the full interview here).
Unfortunately, it was to be a day of mixed fortunes for Ireland as there was disappointment for Ireland’s Jonathan McGrath who was hoping to achieve the Rio Qualifying time in the Men’s 400m Freestyle S8 Final, but missed out on the time when he finished in 4.54.56.
“It [the time] wasn’t what I wanted unfortunately,” he said afterwards. “Coming into the swim I was hoping to qualify so I’m a bit disappointed but at the same time, I gave everything I had so there’s not much more I can do.” (Full interview here).
Elsewhere, 21-year-old Ellen Keane was also taking part in the finals this evening, after she claimed a Personal Best in the 100m Backstroke S9 this morning in a time of 1.16.74. Keane just missed out on the medals in the final, coming in fourth place, but was celebrating yet another PB in the evening as she tipped home in a time of 1.16.09.
Speaking afterwards she stated: “I’m really, really happy with that time, I was delighted to even get into the final, so to get a PB – to come down by two seconds – is great and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the week.” (Full interview here)
Finally, Ailbhe Kelly was the last of the Irish to appear in a final this evening, as she contested the Women’s 400m Freestyle S9 final and came home in a time of 5.38.41 to secure fourth place.
“I was hoping to go a bit faster than that, but it’s still a good time so I’m happy enough with it. It’s been a tough two days, so I’m pretty tired now, it’s been really busy.” (Full interview here)
You can keep up with the event via the live stream here and our Twitter account here. The daily schedule is available here, and read the round up from this morning’s events and Day 1 here.
