IRELAND’S FIONA DOYLE produced a wonderful swim to claim fourth at the European Championships in London this evening.
Competing in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke final, the 24-year-old touched the wall in a time of 1:07.76 to finish just outside the medals behind Lithuanian winner and world record holder Ruta Meilutyte (1:06.17), runner-up Hrafnhildu Luthersdottir of Iceland (1:06.45) and Britain’s Chloe Tutton (1:07.50), who claimed bronze.
The Limerick native was proud of her performance but understandably gutted to miss out on a podium finish.
“I came into these games unsure of what I was going to do and to be honest I didn’t think I’d swim this fast, to get that time I’m really happy with, but getting fourth place I’m disappointed,” Doyle said afterwards.
“I have big goals for the Olympics so this is good prep, I’m becoming more confident in my swimming abilities and racing at a higher level, so as disappointed as I am, this is still a fantastic place to be.”
In the Men’s 50m Breaststroke semi-final, Shane Ryan was fifth in his heat and 11th overall.
After setting a new Irish record in this morning’s heat (25.19), Ryan then swam in a time of 25.32.
I didn’t nail the start, I went too deep and was trying to compensate from there,” he said. “I’m disappointed but I’ve just got to move on, tomorrow’s a new day.”
Tomorrow, Doyle features in the Women’s 200m Breaststroke heats, while Ryan takes part in the Men’s 100m Freestyle along with Curtis Coulter and Jordan Sloan.
Meanwhile, Mona McSharry swims in the 200m Breaststroke heats.
Day 3 Irish results:
- 50m Backstroke semi-final: Shane Ryan 25.32 (11th)
- 100m Breaststroke final: Fiona Doyle 1:07.76 (4th)
- 200m Butterfly: Brendan Hyland 2:00.21 (26th)
- 200m IM: Sycerika McMahon 2:17.52 (28th)
- 200m Breaststroke: Nicholas Quinn 2:15.04 (24th), Dan Sweeney 2:21.16 (42nd)
- 100m Backstroke: Danielle Hill 1:03.53 (35th)
- 50m Backstroke: Shane Ryan 25.19 (5th) ISR
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
