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Special Olympics: Team Ireland's medal haul rises to four after Sarah Jane Johnston clinches second bronze of the Games
27 July 2015; Team Ireland’s Sarah Jane Johnston, a member of Ripples Sports Special Olympics Club, from Lurgan, Co Armagh, who won Bronze at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center. Special Olympics World Summer Games, Los Angeles, California, United States. Picture credit: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
Team Ireland’s medal haul at the Special Olympics has risen to four after Sarah Jane Johnston claimed her second bronze medal of the Games.
Athletes took part in a range of events including basketball, bowling, bocce and badminton but it was the pool once again where finals were taking place.
Sarah Jane (35) from Lurgan, Co Armagh finished third in the 100 metre freestyle race, in a repeat of her performance in the backstroke competition on Sunday.
Speaking after the race, Sarah Jane said: “I am very happy and proud of my performances and I am really enjoying the World Games.”
There was also success in the pool for Galway athlete Lorraine Hession who celebrated a fourth place ribbon in a separate division of the 100 metre freestyle competition. The 27- year-old, who hails from Turloughmore, Co Galway also registered a personal best in the race.
Team Ireland aquatics coach Jennifer Hughes from Baldoyle, Dublin is thrilled with her team’s performance, commenting: “Lorraine and Jane swam really well today in two competitive races, I'm delighted with their performances and am really proud of them.”
There was also a sixth place ribbon for the Team Ireland Bowling players Annita O’Connor (47) from Carlow; John Rowan (51)from Rathnew, Co Wicklow, Michael Conboy (48) from Galway city and Sean Campbell, (30) from Coleraine, Co Derry.
A personal best was also achieved by James Meenan (20) from Dundalk, Co Louth in the 100 metre heats. Heats are continuing across the 12 sports featuring Team Ireland athletes, with finals due in gymnastics, bocce, athletics, badminton, and bowling among others.
Commenting on Team Ireland’s second day at LA2015, Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland said: “Team Ireland continues to put in great performances across all 12 sports. The atmosphere in every venue has been fantastic and the travelling Irish support is certainly helping our athletes rise to the occasion. I know that the Irish public at home is cheering on every medal and personal best and joining us in celebrating this fantastic event.”
The World Games run until August 2.
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