Girl power

Girl power

10 August 2022

SPORTING sensations Bethany Firth and Ciara Mageean have been draped in Commonwealth Games glory after their recent phenomenal showing in Birmingham.

Seaforde swimmer Bethany secured her first ever Commonwealth gold medal by winning the 200m freestyle S14 in impressive style whilst representing Team NI.

This now means the 26 year-old has completed a clean sweep having won gold at the Paralympics in 2012, 2016 and 2020, as well as at both the World and European championships.

“I am just over the moon, I’m so happy and relieved to have gotten the full collection,” she said.

Bethany’s most recent success may standout in years to come due to her obstacles outside of the water, which includes breaking her foot last November and a strenuous road to recovery.

The rollercoaster of emotions didn’t stop there as she became a newlywed after marrying her now husband, Andrew.

“Each season you have so many hiccups and bumps,” said Bethany.

“This season I broke my foot and got married, so I had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get this medal.

“People don’t see the hard work, sometimes they just look and expect medal after medal and that’s not the case,” she continued.

“My team and family know exactly what went into each medal and that means so much to me, when I look at each of them, they all tell a story.”

Bethany now plans to take a well-earned break to enjoy her honeymoon and finally jet off to East Asia for six weeks before preparations begin for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Meanwhile Portaferry middle-distance runner Ciara Mageean is delighted to to have claimed a Commonwealth silver medal in the 1500m event at Alexander Stadium.

The 30 year-old has credited much of her success to new coach Helen Clitheroe, a former GB runner who boasts a Commonwealth bronze medal from the Games in Manchester in 2002.

“Helen has had I don’t know how many Commonwealth Games behind her,” said Ciara.

“I raced her at my first Commonwealth Games, so she’s gone from competitor to coach, and I’m hugely privileged to have such a phenomenal mentor and coach looking after me.”

Scotland’s Laura Muir was touted as the pre-race favourite and proved to back up that prediction by 

taking first place, although the local athlete was not far behind by any means.

The two runners separated from the pack within the final stages of the race but it was Muir who would cross the line first.

“It’s phenomenal,” said Ciara.

“I came into this knowing I was in good shape and had the aim of winning gold.

“Laura is a phenomenal athlete so huge congratulations to her, especially after that effort in the 800m,” she continued.

“But I put it out there, I tried my best, I’m delighted to come away with silver. I knew Laura would have to throw something out there, it’s a very fast field.

“Laura had the better of me, but I knew I was going to go for it, and it meant I had some clear ground.”

She added: “It was lovely to be there.”

Mournes councillor Gareth Sharvin spoke about his delight at the achievements from both local women and how it has set a precedent for aspiring athletes in the area.

“Congratulations to both Bethany and Ciara for their terrific showing at the recent Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“Their performances will go down in history and will no doubt prove an inspiration for all local athletes.

“Even more so, they have continued to raise the bar and put themselves higher on a pedestal.”

He added: “They will be regarded as fantastic role models – especially for young women who wish to follow in their footsteps.”