Róisín Ní Riain storms home to capture second European Championships gold
Róisín Ní Ríain of Ireland with her Women's 100m Backstroke S13 gold medal during day four of the Para Swimming European Championships at the Penteada Olympic Pools Complex in Funchal, Madeira. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Róisín Ní Riain took her second gold and third medal of the European Championships in Madeira when storming to victory in the 100m backstroke final.
The Limerick swimmer saw off stiff competition as American Paralympic champion Gia Pergolini won the S13 100m backstroke final in a time of 1:05:75, but Ní Riain was the first European home in a time of 1:06:96. to take gold.
Having won silver in the 100m butterfly on the first day of action, the 18-year-old followed up with her first gold on Monday in the 100m breaststroke.
Speaking after the race, Ní Riain reflected: “That was a pretty good swim, definitely some mistakes were made there but this is the kind of competition we come for, that we get to learn from. There’s some cleaning up to do, but hopefully that will come.
“It’s a hectic schedule this week, but it’s nice. I love to get out and race any opportunity I get, so lot’s of fun and a few more fun ones to come.”
Ní Riain is back in the pool tomorrow morning for her 400m freestyle heat in which she will attempt to reach yet another final.
In the evening session, Nicole Turner and Derbhaile Brady will face off once again in the 50m freestyle final.
