Team Ireland got the 2026 World Para Swimming European Championships underway as both Síomha Nic Brádaigh and Elodie Bateson got racing started on day one in Kocaeli, Turkey.
Having represented Ireland at the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore, Síomha Nic Brádaigh was back on the international scene, competing in Ireland’s first final of the week. The Lisburn swimmer headed to the blocks to compete in the 200m Individual Medley Final (SM7), making her first appearance at a European Championships. Nic Brádaigh clocked a time of 3:27.78 to finish fifth in Europe.
Following tonight’s final, Nic Brádaigh said: “We’ve had such a long season so that swim, for me, was nearly a relief to get in and get at it. I’m a wee bit off my PB, so I’m a little bit disappointed, but it’s a massive relief to get in and race. I’ve been concentrating more on my fly and trying not to rush that too much, just because that’s a start, but there are different techniques with the IM and I’m developing new ones every time I race it. It’s brilliant to be back representing Ireland. I’ve had a tough year, so it’s a relief to be here, and I am proud of myself for being here.”
Elodie Bateson was the first Irish swimmer in the pool this week, competing in the 50m Freestyle (S11). Making her senior international debut for Ireland, the Limavady swimmer set the tempo for the rest of the week after dropping a sensational personal best of 39.60, shaving two seconds off her previous lifetime best of 41.60, set at the Berlin leg of the World Para Series in May this year.
Speaking after the race, Bateson said: “I feel energetic. It’s so exciting and such an interesting experience. I’m so happy to be here. I couldn’t have made it here without my mam and everyone else supporting me. Over the last few days, I’ve just been getting prepared for today and working out what works best. That was really good, and I’ve enjoyed the training.”
Day 1 Race Schedule (Heats) – Monday 7th September
| Event | Irish Athletes / Team | Heat Results | Final Results |
| Women’s 50m Freestyle (S11) | Elodie Bateson | 39.60 (PB) | |
| Women’s 200m IM (SM7) | Síomha Nic Brádaigh | 3:27.78 (5th) |
Day 2 Race Schedule (Heats) – Tuesday 8th September
| Event | Irish Athletes / Team |
| Women’s 100m Backstroke (S14) | Emersyn Scully |
| Women’s 100m Breaststroke (SB13) | Róisín Ní Riain |
