SPORT: Personal Bests for Ellen

Dublin People 14 May 2016

Ellen Keane pictured while competing in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke final where she finished fourth with a time of 1:25.67. PHOTO: CARLOS RODRIGUES/SPORTSFILE

THERE were two silver medals, one bronze medal and 23 Personal Bests (PB) for Ireland following a hugely successful International Paralympic Committee (IPC) European Open Swim Championships in Portugal.

Ellen Keane and Ailbhe Kelly, from Clontarf and Castlenock respectively, were on the team.

Keane achieved two PBs in the 100m Backstroke (1.16.74 in the heats and 1.16.09 in the final where she finished fourth), while Kelly achieved PBs in the 100m Freestyle, 200m Individual Medley and the 100m Backstroke.

Keane (21), who also competed in the Breastroke, Butterfly, Freestyle and Individual Medley events, said: “I came into this championships with a bit of fatigue, but it was great race practice.

“Once college is over, I will be able to focus completely on swimming so I can’t wait for that. The support from home has been brilliant!”

One of the highlights for Kelly was her PB in the 100m Freestyle.

“I am so happy,” she said afterwards. “I really wanted to go under 1.19. I’ve been wanting to do it pretty much all year, and to do it was incredible.”

Teen sensation Nicole Turner won two silver medals and one bronze medal, and also secured nine PB times over the 7-day competition.