The Paralympic Council of Ireland recently announced the Irish team for the 2010 IPC World Swimming Championships. Eight swimmers will represent Ireland at the forthcoming Championships, to be held in Eindhoven, Holland from 15th – 25th August, 2010.
The squad includes Aer Lingus swimmer and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Finalist, Ellen Keane. Speaking on the team announcement, Head of Paralympic Swimming Dave Malone said:
“I have been working with the athletes for towards the World Championships since my appointment as Head of Paralympic Swimming over a year ago. They have worked very hard over the last year and this is a group of very talented performers. Eindhoven is the perfect showcase opportunity for them to display their talent.”
Ellen will be taking part in the 100m Breaststroke, 100m Butterfly & 200m Individual Medley. Taking time out of her busy pre-competition schedule Ellen paused for breath and spoke with us in a quick fire interview.
How did you get into swimming and when did you realise you could be a great swimmer? My dad contacted the manager of the paralympic swim team whose daughter has the same arm as me. She told my dad about all the swimming her daughter has done and I then decided to start swimming. I realised I could be a good swimmer when I qualified for the Beijing paralympic games when I was 12.
What has been the highlight of your international career so far? Beijing Paralympic Games
What are you goals for the IPC Swimming World Championship in Eindhoven, Holland next month? To qualify for finals in my IM and breaststroke
What qualities make up a great swimmer? Training hard
Who has inspired you? Michael Phelps.
If you weren’t a swimmer, what other sport would you have done? Dancing
What’s your favourite stroke? Breaststroke
What are your pre-race thoughts or routines? Trying to think positive thoughts and staying focused.
What do you enjoy most about your swimming life? The countries I’ve competed in.
Is there a song that inspires you before competition? Lose Yourself by Eminem
Finally, what advice would you give to a young swimmer that wants to reach the top? Believe in yourself and train hard.
All at ALSC are extremely proud of Ellen’s achievement and we will be following her progress in Holland with great interest. Well done to Ellen for also being named PCI Athlete of the Month July 2010 !
