Fiona Doyle, Limerick, (University of Calgary) celebrates after finishing 3rd in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke semi final in a time of 1:07.67 which makes her the first Irish swimmer to qualify for Olympics in Rio 2016
©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
LIMERICK’S Fiona Doyle became Ireland’s first swimmer to make a Rio 2016 Olympic qualification time yesterday, when she swam the semi-final of the 100m Breaststroke at the World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea.
The University of Calgary student progressed from the morning heats in 4th place in a time of 1:08.07, her fastest ever morning swim in the event, to rank 3rd overall. Swimming in the second semi-final she then produced a 1:07.67 swim to secure the “A” qualification time for Rio and a place in Monday’s Final.
Speaking this morning Doyle commented “I’m delighted to get the Rio A time done so early on. I’m now looking forward and very excited about racing the Final tomorrow night”.
Doyle’s best time in the event is the Irish Senior Record of 1:07.66 which won her a Silver medal at these Games in 2013 and with the form shown so far, she will expect to go faster in tomorrow’s Final where she is currently ranked in fourth. Japan’s Mina Matsushima is the fastest seed in 1:07.04.
The 100m Breaststroke Final will take place at 11.52am today, Monday.
