Ní Riain Fourth in Europe as Scully Shines on Championship Debut

Paralympian Róisín Ní Riain returned to the blocks this evening to compete in the 100m Breaststroke Final (SB13). The National Centre (Limerick) swimmer demonstrated her resilience in recent months, overcoming injury concerns to ensure she would represent Ireland at these championships. Ní Riain entered tonight’s final as the fourth-fastest qualifier and delivered another strong swim, touching in 1:18.96 to finish fourth, just eight-tenths of a second shy of the podium.

Speaking in the mixed zone, Ní Riain said: “I’m happy enough with that swim. I’ve had a pretty tough year, and I’ve been dealing with an injury for most of it. My goal was simply to make it to this competition. A few weeks and months ago, I didn’t think I would be here, so for me the goal was to get here, and anything that came after that was a bonus. To be able to put down a good time like that, I’m absolutely delighted.”

 

She added: “This preparation has obviously been quite different. I was out of the pool for a little while and spent a lot of time on the bike. It’s been a very different preparation, but also a learning curve. Anything I can get out of this week is a bonus. For me, diving in for that first race this morning was a goal in itself. I’m happy with tonight’s swim and hopefully it’s something we can build on throughout the week.”

 

 

Emersyn Scully had an international senior debut to remember after two fine performances in the 100m Backstroke (S14). Following her lifetime best swim this morning, Scully returned to centre stage to compete in her first European final. The New Ross swimmer clocked a time of 1:16.68 to lower her personal best for the second time in the day.

Speaking after tonight’s final, Scully said: “I feel so good. I’m so happy to be here tonight. To walk into the arena and hear all my teammates was so amazing, and I’m so proud to be here.”

 

Day three of competition will see Paris Paralympian Deaten Registe step onto the European stage for the Men’s 100m Breaststroke (SB14), while Róisín Ní Riain (100m Freestyle S13) and Emersyn Scully (100m Breaststroke SB14) return to action. Dearbhaile Brady heads straight into the 200m Individual Medley Final (SM6).