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Ireland's Fiona Doyle celebrates qualifying for the semi-final of the Women's 50m Breaststroke. INPHO/Andrea Staccioli
Happy Days

Fiona Doyle fails to gain place in final despite breaking Irish record

The Irish swimmer finished with a time of 31.52 seconds this evening.

Updated at 13.48

IRELAND’S FIONA DOYLE has fallen just short in her bid for a place in the 50m Breaststroke final, despite a commendable performance in the semi-finals of the World Swimming Championships in Barcelona today.

Doyle finished seventh in her race and 14th overall this evening with a time of 31.52 seconds, missing out on qualification as a result.

Despite being disappointed at not having reached the final, Doyle retained a positive outlook when speaking to reporters.

“It would have been nice to have snook into the 50 (Breaststroke) final but the last 4 months I’ve taken 1.2 seconds off my 50 Breaststroke, it would have been a big ask to take anymore off it,” she said. “Overall I’m delighted with the Summer I’ve had, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of Swim Ireland, the Irish Sports Council and my coaches and I’m really excited to go from here and see what else I can do”.

She earlier secured a place in the semis, after registering an Irish record while competing in the 50m Breaststroke heats.

Doyle, who recently missed out on a place in the 100m Breaststroke final but achieved 11th spot in the world overall, finished in third place this morning with a time of 30.93.

In the process, she comfortably beat her previous best time of 31.35 and also broke the Irish record.

Doyle, who now holds the Irish record in 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke, was ranked 9th going into the semi-final.

Speaking following the earlier race, the 21-year-old said: “I’m really, really happy. I’m delighted to be under 31 seconds and to set a new Irish Record was fantastic.”

Ireland have had a successful World Championships overall, with three national record broken over the past two weeks – Barry Murphy in the 50m Butterfly, Sycerika McMahon in 100m freestyle and of course, Doyle in the 50m Breaststroke.

In addition, all four Irish swimmers competing attained World Top 20 places, with three reaching the semi-finals of the competition.

First published at 13.43

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