Today marks the start of Dublin 2018: World Para Swimming European Championships - a competition boasting great excitement in the lead up! An estimate of 500 athletes have travelled from 40 countries to participate in the Europeans with each athlete hoping to themselves and their country proud.
Morning number one was AWESOME! Who's ready for the first medal events?! #Dublin2018 pic.twitter.com/eosLY1FgDS
— World Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) August 13, 2018
It's been a great start for Team Ireland with swims from Ailbhe Kelly and Nicole Turner, who both progressed to finals this evening. Ailbhe Kelly was in action in the 200m individual medley, finding out just ten minutes before the final that she had qualified. Swimming in SM8 she swam a PB of 3:15.97 in the heats, which put her in first reserve for the final. As she was sitting in first reserve position, she warmed up just in case and was delighted to then gain a place in the final.
After finding out 10 minutes before her final she did amazing!! Incredible start for Ailbhe and Team Ireland! Every athlete in a final so far! #TeamIreland #Dublin2018 pic.twitter.com/x3VglJf5zg
— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) August 13, 2018
Nicole Turner was up next in the 50m freestyle, qualifying directly from the heats this morning. Nicole had a great PB in the 200m individual medley just a few weeks ago at the Irish Summer Nationals and we look forward to seeing her in action again over the coming days.
Nicole Turner hitting the water for Ireland’s third final of #Dublin2018 ???? pic.twitter.com/wrxgCGRQsH
— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) August 13, 2018
A great interview with Nicole after her race, be sure to follow Paralympics Ireland on Twitter and Instagram for regular updates!
Nicole Turner after her fantastic swim this evening! #Dublin2018 #TeamIreland ???? pic.twitter.com/6kdSN8LDHO
— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) August 13, 2018
Dublin 2018 is being shown on TG4 - tune in to see more from Nicole Turner, Ailbhe Kelly and Irish Paralympic medallist, Ellen Keane. If you can, head down to the National Aquatic Centre to see the live action - tickets available on Paralympics Ireland.
The event is being hosted in the National Aquatic Centre, Blanchardstown with seating for 2,500 spectators with great views of the Olympic sized swimming pool. Athletes have the use of the diving pool for warm up and warm down, offering top facilities to the Irish and visiting athletes. The three Irish female representatives will feel at home in the NAC, training and competing at the venue, as well the excitement of racing in front of a home crowd.
The NAC hosted the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games and has been host to several swimming, diving and waterpolo events since.
