Paralympic Diary – Day 2 Results & Preview of Day 3

Day 2 of competition (Friday 30th Aug) began will a stellar performance from IWA’s Kerrie Leonard. Unfortunately, it wasn’t her day and China’s, Jiamin Zhou won by 5 points in 5 very close sets, Kerrie scoring 135 and Zhou 140.

Speaking with Kerrie afterwards she said: “I’m really proud and am leaving here disappointed but I’m not going to be too critical of my performance. I was seeded behind Zhou but I focused on my own game and what I could control. I’m so thankful for all the supporters, my family and friends who have been on the journey with me.” When asked what’s next, Kerrie joked “Maybe RTE will ask me to do Dancing with the Stars. There’s never been a wheelchair user on it, yet!” It’s safe to say that Kerrie is a determined and competitive woman so we’re not ruling anything out.

Para Swimmer, Ellen Keane took to the pool today for the SB8 100m Breaststroke and whilst she qualified comfortably in the heats, the final was a different story with Keane losing out on a podium spot by seconds, with a finish time of 1.24.69 putting her in fourth position.

Our Para Rowers, Katie O’Brien and Tiarnán O’Donnell had to wade out a storm which delayed their race by an hour and a half but their supporters kept everyone entertained, including Tiarnán’s twin brother, Ronan. Once they got going they finished fourth in tough conditions so we’ll see them compete in the repechage tomorrow at 9.50am (Irish Time)

Also enduring wet conditions was Shauna Bocquet, who made a strong Paralympic debut in the Women’s 5000m T54 heat at the iconic Stade de France and qualified for the final in ninth place, overall.

Team Ireland secures their first medal!

Róisín Ní Riain’s is Team Ireland’s first medalist having secured silver medal in the final of the Women’s S13 100m Backstroke.  The night belonged to her team of supporters which included Grandparents, Parents, Aunts, Uncles and her fellow swim team mates from Galway.

For us that is what sport is all about. The friendships made, the bonds never to be broken and the fun and laughter that gets you through the tough times. We all need it.

The Paralympic Games are hoping to leave a legacy that will inspire others to get involved in sport at any level, for all the reasons mentioned above. So if you have been thinking about taking up a sport but haven’t got round to it yet. Now is the time, get in touch with today.