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31/08/2021
NI Athletes Bethany Firth And Jason Smyth Win Gold
Two Northern Irish athletes have claimed gold medals in the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Swimmer Bethany Firth won a gold medal in the 4x100m freestyle team relay, while sprinter Jason Smyth has won his sixth gold medal at Games.
Congratulating the athletes, First Minister Paul Givan said: "This is Bethany's fifth gold medal – an amazing total which further cements her status as one of the best athletes Northern Ireland has ever produced. Even more remarkable, this gold came the day after a silver medal win in the 200m freestyle. These tremendous accomplishments don't come easily, and are no doubt built on countless hours of training and dedication.
"With more events yet to come for Bethany, and her fellow Paralympians, we'll be applauding their progress back home."
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Bethany is a world-class sportswoman and a real inspiration to aspiring athletes. I am so pleased that she continues to excel and is adding to what is a remarkable sporting legacy.
"This is a fantastic day for Bethany, her family and coaches. They should be rightly proud of everything she has achieved.
"I wish Bethany, and all our Paralympians, continued success in the remainder of the Games."
And speaking about sprinter Jason Smyth, First Minister Paul Givan said: "Jason Smyth has been at the very top of his sport for such a long time. This latest win reflects a sprinter who not only excels in his field, but sets the standard for others.
"The day after Bethany Firth wins her fifth gold medal at the Paralympic Games, Jason is winning his sixth. It is once again my pleasure to be applauding an athlete who ranks among the best we have ever produced."
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Huge congratulations to Jason Smyth on his fantastic victory in Tokyo, winning his sixth Paralympics gold medal. What an outstanding record for a truly remarkable athlete who has once again shown his calibre on the world stage.
"I have no doubt there will be many people, across Derry and beyond, who will be honouring Jason today and celebrating his phenomenal achievements."
Swimmer Bethany Firth won a gold medal in the 4x100m freestyle team relay, while sprinter Jason Smyth has won his sixth gold medal at Games.
Congratulating the athletes, First Minister Paul Givan said: "This is Bethany's fifth gold medal – an amazing total which further cements her status as one of the best athletes Northern Ireland has ever produced. Even more remarkable, this gold came the day after a silver medal win in the 200m freestyle. These tremendous accomplishments don't come easily, and are no doubt built on countless hours of training and dedication.
"With more events yet to come for Bethany, and her fellow Paralympians, we'll be applauding their progress back home."
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Bethany is a world-class sportswoman and a real inspiration to aspiring athletes. I am so pleased that she continues to excel and is adding to what is a remarkable sporting legacy.
"This is a fantastic day for Bethany, her family and coaches. They should be rightly proud of everything she has achieved.
"I wish Bethany, and all our Paralympians, continued success in the remainder of the Games."
And speaking about sprinter Jason Smyth, First Minister Paul Givan said: "Jason Smyth has been at the very top of his sport for such a long time. This latest win reflects a sprinter who not only excels in his field, but sets the standard for others.
"The day after Bethany Firth wins her fifth gold medal at the Paralympic Games, Jason is winning his sixth. It is once again my pleasure to be applauding an athlete who ranks among the best we have ever produced."
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Huge congratulations to Jason Smyth on his fantastic victory in Tokyo, winning his sixth Paralympics gold medal. What an outstanding record for a truly remarkable athlete who has once again shown his calibre on the world stage.
"I have no doubt there will be many people, across Derry and beyond, who will be honouring Jason today and celebrating his phenomenal achievements."
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21 September 2016
Co Down Swimmer Bethany Firth Returns Home
Co Down swimmer Bethany Firth has returned to Belfast after scooping three golds and one silver medal at the Paralympics in Rio. Sports Minister Paul Givan, MLA, said he was delighted to welcome the swimmer, who is from Seaforde, back home.
Co Down Swimmer Bethany Firth Returns Home
Co Down swimmer Bethany Firth has returned to Belfast after scooping three golds and one silver medal at the Paralympics in Rio. Sports Minister Paul Givan, MLA, said he was delighted to welcome the swimmer, who is from Seaforde, back home.
12 September 2016
Bethany Firth Scoops Second Gold Medal At Rio Paralympics
Co Down swimmer Bethany Firth has won a second gold medal in the S14 200m Freestyle at the Paralympics in Rio. She set a new paralympics record and finished in 2.03.30. The swimmer from Seaforde beat previous champion Jessica Applegate and Marlou Van Der Kulk. She also won gold in the 100m backstroke on Thursday, 08 September.
Bethany Firth Scoops Second Gold Medal At Rio Paralympics
Co Down swimmer Bethany Firth has won a second gold medal in the S14 200m Freestyle at the Paralympics in Rio. She set a new paralympics record and finished in 2.03.30. The swimmer from Seaforde beat previous champion Jessica Applegate and Marlou Van Der Kulk. She also won gold in the 100m backstroke on Thursday, 08 September.
15 September 2016
Bethany Firth Wins Third Paralympic Medal
Co Down swimmer Bethany Firth has won a silver medal in the S14 100m breaststroke at the Rio Paralympics. Michelle Morales from Spain won by .27 seconds. The Seaforde swimmer has already won two gold medals. The 20-year-old will take part in the 200m Individual Medley on Sunday, 18 September.
Bethany Firth Wins Third Paralympic Medal
Co Down swimmer Bethany Firth has won a silver medal in the S14 100m breaststroke at the Rio Paralympics. Michelle Morales from Spain won by .27 seconds. The Seaforde swimmer has already won two gold medals. The 20-year-old will take part in the 200m Individual Medley on Sunday, 18 September.
09 September 2016
Bethany Firth Wins Gold At Rio Paralympics
County Down swimmer Bethany Firth has set a new world record and won gold in the S14 100m backstroke at the Rio Paralympics. Bethany from Seaforde broke her own world record and touched in at one minute 04.05 seconds. Dutch swimmer Marlou van der Kulk took silver and Jessica Applegate won bronze.
Bethany Firth Wins Gold At Rio Paralympics
County Down swimmer Bethany Firth has set a new world record and won gold in the S14 100m backstroke at the Rio Paralympics. Bethany from Seaforde broke her own world record and touched in at one minute 04.05 seconds. Dutch swimmer Marlou van der Kulk took silver and Jessica Applegate won bronze.
21 September 2022
Commonwealth Games Athletes Recognised For Sporting Achievements
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has hosted a reception for local athletes who competed in the Commonwealth Games at Parliament Buildings to recognise their excellence and achievement in sport.
Commonwealth Games Athletes Recognised For Sporting Achievements
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has hosted a reception for local athletes who competed in the Commonwealth Games at Parliament Buildings to recognise their excellence and achievement in sport.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
