Updated at 18.30
FIONA DOYLE HAS followed up qualification for the Rio Olympics by winning a bronze medal at the World University Games in South Korea.
The Limerick native, representing the University of Calgary in the 100m Breaststroke, became the first Irish swimmer to secure her place at next year’s Games when she recorded an ‘A’ qualification time of 1:07.67 in yesterday’s semi-final.
Ranked fourth going into today’s final, the 23-year-old smashed her own the Irish senior record to finish in 1:07.15 and claim her place on the podium. Japan’s Mina Matsushima won gold in 1:06.76 while Lillia King of USA (1:06.93) earned silver.
“I’m absolutely delighted with today’s result,” Doyle said. “Getting the Olympic time in the semi-final was great as it meant I could get it out of my head and concentrate on swimming as fast as I could.
I’m happy with the medal, another colour might have been nicer, but it was over half a second faster than my best time so I’m pleased with that.
“Technically my race could have been better but I can improve on that and bring it into World Championships in a few weeks which is my main goal this summer.”
She is back in the pool tomorrow in the heats of the 200m Breaststroke.
Here are the Irish results from Day 3:
Womens 100m Breaststroke: Fiona Doyle H 1:08.07 (3rd) SF 1:07.67 (4th) F 1:07.15 (3rd)
Mens 50m Backstroke: Jordan Sloan H 26.91 (29th)
Womens 200m Individual Medley: Sycerika McMahon H 2:17.59 (16th) SF 2:16.81 (14th) Shani Stallard H 2:22.43 (27th)
Mens 200m Breaststroke: Nicholas Quinn H 2:13.70 (12th) SF 2:13.04 (13th)
Dan Sweeney H 2:14.78 (19th)
