Irish Blind Swimmer wins Silver Medal at International Blind Sports World Games
Release Date: Aug 9th, 2007
Congratulations to Irish Swimmer, Stephen Campbell who won the Silver Medal in the final of the 200 metres individual medley at the International Blind Sports (IBSA) World Games in Brazil, which took place from 1st- 6th August. Stephen is expected to arrive in Dublin Airport later today where he will be welcomed home by his supporters.
Stephen, who is aged 21 and from Cookstown, Co. Tyrone lost his sight at 16 years of age. This was his first time representing Ireland at the World Games. Six swimmers competed in the final of the 200 metre individual medley. Stephen started in lane five and in the first 50m butterfly was neck in neck with the Spanish and Mexican swimmers. In the next 50m backstroke, Stephen moved into second place. The eventual winner, Enhamed Mohamed of Spain pulled away from the field, leaving the battle for the silver and bronze medal positions between Stephen and another Spaniard. Stephen's real strength came in the next breaststroke section where he worked hard and gained a few seconds on Eduardo Cruz of Spain. Stephen then pulled away in the final 50m freestyle section and came home in the silver medal position with a time of 02’57”02.
Stephen also narrowly missed out on a medal in the men’s 100m butterfly event with less than one second separating 3rd, 4th and 5th places. He did however have a personal best time in this event and the 50m freestyle.
Stephen is a member of Irish Blind Sports (IBS), the officially recognised national governing body (NGB) with responsibility for organising sporting activities for blind and visually impaired people in Ireland.
Speaking about the victory of Stephen and his support team in Brazil, IBS Executive Director Neil O’Donovan said, “I would like to congratulate Stephen on winning a Silver Medal and achieving two personal bests at the World Games in Brazil. It is a fantastic achievement for Stephen and his support team of Daragh McDaid, Chef D’equipe from Donegal and Geraldine Quinn, Guide from Tyrone. Stephen performed brilliantly against the world’s best swimmers; he is a real inspiration to all visually impaired athletes who compete at sporting events across Ireland”.
“Taking part in events, such as Swimming, whether it’s for relaxation, recreation or simply overcoming personal and private challenges, enables blind and visually impaired people to improve their quality of life in a healthy, enjoyable and social sporting environment” Mr. O’Donovan added.
IBSA created the World Games to promote the integration of visually impaired athletes across the world. The cities of Sao Paulo and Sao Caetano do Sul in Brazil hosted 1,700 participants from 66 different countries throughout the event. Athletes competed in six sports including athletics, goalball, judo, swimming, powerlifting, and football.
For further information please contact:
Michelle Guinan, MRPA KINMAN Communications 01 7038614 / 0863846630
Note to Editor:
Irish Blind Sports, founded in 1989, is the officially recognised national governing body (NGB) with responsibility for organising sporting activities for blind and visually impaired people in Ireland. Funded principally by the Irish Sports Council and NCBI, Irish Blind Sports strives to manage, develop and encourage sporting pursuits, always emphasising the many benefits that participation can offer.