Medal glory for local star Ellen

ELLEN Keane was the toast of the Northside last week when she won a bronze medal at the Paralympic Swimming World Championships in Montreal.

Ellen, who has been swimming competitively since the age of 13, picked up her first major medal on day four of the championships in the 100m Breaststroke Final.

The 18-year-old had a great start turning in 4th after 50 metres just .01 of a second behind Canada’s Katarina Roxon.

Ellen then pushed hard for the last 50 metres past Roxon, ensuring her the bronze medal in a season’s best of 1:23.74 and knocking 1.35 seconds off her heat time of 1:25.09.

Afterwards Ellen said:

“I can’t believe it; I was a bit worried when I was swimming because I knew the British girl next to me had swum a 1:25 in the heats too.

“But when I turned I saw she was behind and thought just go for it; I was getting tired but I just kept going. I’m so happy. I just don’t think I can describe how it feels.

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?¢ MAKING WAVES: Ellen Keane pictured after winning her medal in Montreal.