IN her third final in as many days at the 16th iteration of the Paralympic Games, Limerick teenager Róisín Ní Ríain finished in fifth place in the S13 400m freestyle.
After finishing third in her heat in a time of 4:45.14, Ní Ríain bettered it with a heroic personal best time of 4:44:09 in the final.
The 16-year-old also got through the heats in the backstroke and butterfly events before today, with a medal alluding her to this stage.
The youngest Irish athlete at the games has been smashing personal bests for fun in Tokyo and there’s still two more events to come.
Róisín has a rest day tomorrow before competing in the 50m freestyle and 100m breaststroke.
Ní Riain recently completed Transition Year in the all-Irish secondary school Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh.
She’s coached by John Szaranek and trains with Limerick Swimming Club.
At only 16 years of age, there’s going to be plenty more from Ní Ríain in the future. Three high-profile events in as many days is no easy feat and Ní Ríain has reached the final of every one so far.
Róisín has been sent many well wishes on her way to Tokyo including Limerick mayor Councillor Daniel Butler.
‘It is through her hard work and determination that Róisín is on the world stage. She is a superb ambassador for her community, her club, Limerick and Ireland.’
Her school, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh are also great supporters, showing their support on Thursday before the final.
Foireann GCL ag ceiliúradh Róisín Ní Ríain ag snámh sa mbabhta ceannais! Maith thú Róisín
pic.twitter.com/HFgnWjyODa
— GCLuimnigh (@GCLuimnigh) August 26, 2021
The post WATCH: Róisín Ní Ríain’s heroic effort leads to personal best time in fifth place in 400m freestyle final appeared first on Sporting Limerick.
