Paris 2024: Ireland off the mark as Ní Ríain takes silver

Róisín Ní Ríain has claimed Ireland's first medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games with a silver in the women’s S13 100m backstroke at a boisterous La Defense Arena in Paris.

The 19-year-old, who finished fourth in yesterday’s S13 100m butterfly final, looked strong throughout, reaching the turn just behind world record holder Gia Pergolini of the United States.

The Limerick woman was unable to close the gap, but a strong last 50m ensured she held off the challenge of Italy’s Carlotta Gilli to take second in a time of 1:07.27.

With no heat in the S13 discipline, Ní Ríain was viewed as a strong contender given her status as the reigning world champion over the distance.

With tricolours dotted right around the arena and the Irish supporters in full voice, the UL student made a positive start from lane five to pursue Pergolini.

On her sixth Paralympic final – she reached five in Tokyo – the teenager finished strong to make her first podium appearance at the Games.

"It was really nice to be able to get out there and win a medal and to have all of my friends and family be able to watch makes it even more exciting, hearing them when i came out as well makes all the difference," she told RTÉ Sport.

Ní Ríain said she felt fully focused and calm after getting her first run out at the venue yesterday in the butterfly final.

"To be honest, last night I was lying in bed and I was just really excited to get out tonight.

"I think that's a really nice way to be. I wasn’t too nervous. I don’t get overly nervous. I get more excited and I’m genuinely very excited every time I get out to race, especially when the backstroke is probably my favourite event."

It marks a continued upward trajectory for the visually impaired athlete.

Having won a bronze on