RÓISÍN NÍ RIAIN likes to keep it simple.
“For me, every time I go out to race, I treat it the same,” the star Paralympic swimmer says.
“My goal is always to give it my best, and hopefully come out with a PB because at the end of the day, that’s as much as I can do. I can’t control anyone else or anything else that’s happening.”
It’s been a pretty effective strategy. Ní Riain won five medals at the European Championships in April, two of those gold, and is a major prospect as Team Ireland kick off their campaign in Paris today.
She begins with the S13 100m Butterfly (heats from 10.11am, final 7.15pm Irish time), before returning to La Défense Arena for the S13 100m Backstroke tomorrow.
Those are her strongest events — she’s world champion in the latter — with the SM13 200m Individual Medley and SB13 100m Backstroke to follow next week.
This is the Limerick 19-year-old’s second Games: she raced six times in Tokyo, qualifying for five finals.
“I learned so much when I was there, I was only 16,” Ní Riain reflects.
“For me, the last time around, it was all about going, taking in everything and getting the experience. Even over the couple of years after that, Worlds and Europeans, I definitely think I’ve learned so much more every time I get out.
“I’m a bit older now, there’s definitely a little bit more pressure and expectation that comes with that. For me, I always try and bring it back to doing as well as I can do and being happy with that. At the end of the day, I go out there to swim my best, swim PBs and see where that gets me then.”
In a sharp contrast to the Covid-impacted Games, Ní Riain’s family and friends have travelled to Paris to support.
It’s showtime for 35-strong Team Ireland, with three years’ work coming down to a few short days. Tokyo silver medallist Nicole Turner and Derry teenager Derbhaile Brady are also in action in the pool this morning, while Ellen Keane looks to defend her title in the SB8 100m Breaststroke title tomorrow.
“That sometimes brings pressure in itself – the feeling of having to perform on the day,” says Ní Riain, who recently completed her first year of science teaching in University of Limerick.
“It’s just about being able to go out and keep a level head, not get too nervous. Being able to enjoy it as well is something that’s really important for me — go out and have a smile on my face before I stand up on the blocks each time.
“I’m there because I love what I’m doing and I love the sport of swimming at the end of the day. It’s just about remembering that, not getting too nervous, and that’s what will lead to being able to perform at my best.”
Ní Riain takes assurance from her process and goal-driven strategy working to date, and emphasises swimming with confidence.
“All the work that I’ve put in gives me the confidence to know that I’ve put it all in over the last couple of years and it will hopefully pay off on the day,” she concludes.
Watch this space.
Good read and best of luck to the U20’s for the World Cup.
Ulster steeped to get three young players where the sky is the limit. Best of luck to them all. Wishing them an injury free career. I for one expect to get many years enjoyment watching them.
@Ben Breathnach: young and ambitious.
@Ben Breathnach: Well said. Wonder if Murphy Jnr will be living with his mates and sending his washing home in his old fella’s car after training?!
Are we getting an article on the URC final at all this week ? Or are we just rolling on to the next article printed being the start of next season for our domestic comp?
@Stuart: how do you rate the URC, compared with super rugby?
@Stuart: Yea, it’s a little bit like season over eh. Gonna be a great game, see the Bulls edging it but Glasgow have a nice defence, don’t think they’ll be bullied like either of the Irish were
@brian o’leary: super rugby back in the 00′s was probably better than Champions cup rugby tbh . Some great sides back in those days ..momentum has shifted north. The kiwi sides are still very good and would compete well in the north..difficult to say. maybe its on par with the URC. Top 14 looks the strongest in the world . URC is certainly stronger now than it ever was and growing every year..
@Thesaltyurchin: think it will be a great game ..honestly after last week’s performance if the bulls can put in a shift like that again, can’t see them losing this.They are however up against a decent Scottish pack with a good system Think Willie LR roux is out so big question around tactics. Fancy the bulls to win comfortably if the same drive as last week
@Stuart: Like last week travel and altitude will take its toll on Glasgow. I think that will show in the second half as it did last week. For me this game should be on Sunday to allow the visiting finalists an extra day to acclimatise to the altitude and recover from the travelling.
Is the world cup on virgin media again like last year
@Gary Galligan: on Irish rugby.ie : The World Rugby U-20 Championship will be available to watch everywhere on the planet, either through local broadcast partners in South Africa (Supersport), France (L’Équipe TV), New Zealand (Sky NZ), and Fiji (Fiji Broadcasting Corporation), or via RugbyPass TV which will broadcast all of the matches for free in markets without exclusive deals.
@Gary Galligan: i checked tv listing for 29th june cant see it on irish tv anywhere mayby youtube
Does Humphfreys pay attention to Connacht in the slightest way?
As a foreigner, I cannot look at it at all.
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And I admire Glasgow who was defeated by Connacht in the regular season using allmost best 15. Maybe they did excelent hard-working as possible they could.