Tonga swimmer splashes into record books
“I’ve set a new world record,” enthused 23-year-old Tahnee as she passed on the big news to her trainer, Peter Brasher who was at the other end of a phone in Darwin, Australia.
She set a new record in the 100m individual fly stroke.
Tahnee, who lives in Darwin, is the sole representative of Tonga at the championships which have drawn 150 swimmers from 15 countries.
Tahnee’s proud mum, Donna who accompanied her to the games said: “Tahnee trains at the Gold Fish Bowl in Darwin and Peter is her coach. Tahnee trains two times a day five days a week as well as working out in the gym.”
The Down Syndrome championships are taking place in the 50m pool at the University of Limerick Arena.
One of the biggest visiting groups has travelled from South Africa with 19 swimmers. The head of the South African group, Lizzie Vogel said: “The world championships were last held two years ago in South Africa. We are very impressed by the facilities and the whole organisation of the championships in Limerick. These games are growing all the time. Two years ago we had eight competing nations in South Africa now that has grown to 15. The games are not a playful thing, but very competitive for which the swimmers put in a lot of preparation to qualify.”
One of the South African swimmers, Sean O’Neill has travelled with his Irish grandmother. Members of the Venezuela team were delayed due to a difficulty getting visas to leave the country. It is hoped that they will get to the championships today.
Over the coming days the swimmers will take part in individual time trials and the medals will be contested on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Chief executive officer of Down Syndrome Ireland, Michael McCormick, said: “It is a wonderful challenge and honour for Down Syndrome Ireland to host swimmers from all over the world. These are the biggest championships staged to date. The standards are so high. I am a trained life guard, but could not keep up with these swimmers.”
All visiting teams are subsidised and Mr McCormick said the championships will cost his organisation in excess of €170,000.
The swimmers will be guests of Shannon Development’s tourism subsidiary company, Shannon Heritage tomorrow when they take a break from the pool.
A special programme will be laid on at Bunratty Castle and the adjoining Folk Park.
A spokesperson for Shannon Development said: “We want to give the athletes, their families and volunteers a day of treasured memories and to ensure they have a great time”.
The athletes and the visiting delegations who number more than 500 are staying in Kilmurry student village at UL for the duration of the championships.
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