Two Irish Paralympians to compete for medals in Rio after sensational start to games
Two Irish Paralympians, James Scully and Greta Streimikyte, will be competing for medals in Rio tonight after a blistering start to the games. Meath native James Scully posted a season best of 2:53.17 on the inaugural day in the S5 200m freestyle, finishing third in his heat and booking a place in tonight’s final. The 23-year-old is expected back in the pool at midnight Irish time.
Meanwhile, Greta Streimikyte also came home in third in her heat of the T13 1500m in a time of 4.51.75, and is set to compete again this evening.
Damien Vereker and Seán Hahessy completed the MB Tandem IP in 4.20.139, a personal best, , in eighth place, after which the world record was twice broken. The Irish pair got within six seconds of competing for the bronze medal.
Elsewhere, Ailbhe Kelly finished seventh in her heat of SB 400m freestyle, while shooting competitor Sean Baldwin managed 19th in a field of 43, but only the top eight progress to the final.
The Irish 7-aside soccer team were defeated 6-0 by Ukraine.
