Medals not McDonald’s only measure of success

Nothing changes people’s perceptions quite like success.

Certainly it has been that way for Ireland’s Darragh McDonald, who improved upon his silver medal at Beijing 2008 with gold at the London Paralympics last year in the S6 400m freestyle.

Gone are the days when people stated at his physical disabilities with pity. Those looks have been replaced by a respect for what he and his fellow Paralympians do as elite athletes.