Mixed week for Irish swimmers in Shanghai
Sunday, 31 July 2011 12:14Ireland's campaign at the World Long Course Swimming Championships in Shanghai has come to an end with no Irish swimmers in action on the final day of competition after Gráinne Murphy withdrew from the women's 400m Individual Medley heats, due to not feeling well.
It was a mixed week for the Irish squad in Shanghai with many highs and lows. Some of the highs include Chris Bryan's eighth place finish in the 5k open water event, Ireland's women's 4x200m freestyle team relay setting a new Irish senior record, Sycerika McMahon setting two new Irish junior records (50m, 100m breaststroke) as well as lowering her own Irish senior 50m breaststroke record.
Although missing out on the final by a heartbreaking two places, Gráinne Murphy finished a credible tenth in the women's 1500m freestyle.
Concluding the meet for Ireland on Saturday was junior swimming sensation Sycerika McMahon who finished 13th place, following her 50m breaststroke semi-final.
National Performance Director for Swim Ireland Peter Banks said today: "Not everyone was where they wanted to be this week but I believe we are still going in the right direction and it's what we take away from the meet in terms of learning is what's important."
"We still have a very tough goal of six Olympic 'A' standards for London next year and there's a lot of work to be done," he added.
"There are still opportunities for us to qualify in open water and a women's relay as well."
The team departs for Dublin tomorrow and while some resume their training upon returning to Ireland, others will take a short break before getting back in the water.
Meanwhile, Swim Ireland sees eight of its top swimmers compete at World University Games in Shenzhen, China from 14 - 19 August. The team will be accompanied by coaches Peter O'Brien and Peter Banks.
