Róisín Ní Riain, a former student at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, won Silver in the Women’s S13 100m Backstroke at La Défense Arena on Friday evening, 30 August, at Paris 2024. The remarkable achievement marked Róisín’s first Paralympic medal and signifies a new chapter in the history of Irish Paralympic swimming.
Congratulating Limerick’s latest paralympian star, Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Acting Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board said: “Róisín’s performance is an inspiration to all of us. Her dedication, resilience, and positive attitude are exemplary, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements. This silver medal is just the beginning of what promises to be a stellar career in Paralympic swimming.”
Róisín’s success is no surprise to her alma mater as she was acknowledged in the national ETB Week Alumni Awards in March at Thomond Park. She spoke at the awards about her preparations for Paris 2024 with Donncha.
Róisín has been recognised as a rising star since her Paralympic debut three years ago in Tokyo where she demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in her race. Despite the challenges of competing in three races over two days, including a fourth-place finish in the S13 100m butterfly final, she remained focused and delivered a strong performance in her strongest event, the backstroke.
Ní Riain is the current world Para swimming 100m backstroke champion and holds the world record in the 200m backstroke. Her ability to overcome the disappointment of the previous race and channel her energy into winning silver is a testament to her resilience and dedication. In preparation for the final, Ní Riain spent the day chatting with her sisters who attend Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh – Limerick and Clare ETB’s all-Irish co-educational post-primary Gaelcholáiste, focusing on anything but swimming.
Reflecting on her achievement, Ní Riain shared: “To be honest, last night I was lying in bed and I was just really excited to get out tonight. I think that’s a really nice way to be. I wasn’t too nervous, I don’t get overly nervous. I get more excited and I’m genuinely very excited every time I get out to race.”
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