Ireland’s young swimmers got off to a flying start on Day 1 of the European Youth Olympic Festival in Utrecht, Holland, with three of Ireland’s six representatives in action at the Swimming Pool De Krommerijn.
Rachel Bethel was first off the mark with a 10th place finish overall in the heats of the 100m Freestyle ensuring her a place in this afternoon’s semi-final. Bethel, of Lisburn City Swimming Club, swam a time of 59.62 just off her best time of 58.95.
Emma Reid swam a new personal best in the 200m Butterfly heats of 2:25.70 taking over 2 seconds off her previous best of 2:27.75. Reid’s time placed her 8th overall and qualified her for this afternoon’s Final. Ards Swimming Club’s James Brown was also in action in the 400m Individual Medley this morning touching in a time of 4:45.36.
At the World University Games in Kazan, Russia, Andrew Meegan finished his campaign at the Games with a swim of 4:34.59 in the 400m Individual Medley. Meegan has smashed the 1500m, 800m and 400m Freestyle Irish Records in Russia and was 7th in the final of the 1500m Freestyle. The Aer Lingus swimmer will be back in the pool at the US Open in Irvine, California, from the 30th July to the 3rd August.
Fiona Doyle will swim in the final of the 50m Breaststroke at 4:08pm this afternoon. The 100m Breaststroke Silver medalist will be looking to better her time of 31.44 from the semi-final yesterday to medal in her final event of the Games.
A further press release will issue following this afternoon’s finals sessions in Utrecht and Kazan.
Day 7 – Session 1 Results:
World University Games
Andrew Meegan 400m IM 4:34.59 (24th)
European Youth Olympic Festival
Rachel Bethel 100m Free 59.62 (10th)
Emma Reid 200m Butterfly 2:25.70 (8th)
James Brown 400m IM 4:45.36 (20th)
Semi-Finals/Finals Later Today:
World University Games
Fiona Doyle 50m Breaststroke Final
Live – www.livefisu.tv 4:08pm
European Youth Olympic Festival
Rachel Bethel 100m Free Semi-Final
Emma Reid 200m Butterfly Final
