PARALYMPICS More Finals and Irish Records for Irish Paralympic Swimmers in Iceland

Irish swimmers Stephen Campbell and Gina Lourens both achieved success tonight at the IPC European Swimming Championships in Reykjavik on the second last day of competition.

Vision impaired athlete, Stephen Campbell from Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, was in action in the 100m Backstroke event (S11 Class). Following last nights strong performance in the Butterfly event, Campbell again displayed his talent to finish 5th in a new Irish record time of 1.15.92. Campbell had a very controlled race and was in with a chance for a bronze medal but faded towards the end and narrowly missed out in very exciting finish.

Speaking after the event, Campbell said, "I was looking forward to this race. I've been feeling like I have been getting stronger in my swims as the meet has gone on, I wanted to go 1.16 tonight in the final so to dip under the mark has been very exciting for me".

Ireland's second finalist tonight, Gina Lourens, finished 7th in the 100m Freestyle event (S8 Class) with a time of 1.19.61 behind eventual gold medal winner, Heather Frederiksen from Britain. Lourens qualified for this evening's final from the morning's heats in a new Irish record time of 1.19.10. Today's performance rounded up a strong European Championship event for Lourens having reached the finals in all her events. Speaking after the event, Lourens said, "I was so pleased to make the final tonight in the 100 m free. I was a little disappointed not to swim faster in the final. But I got a new pb this morning so I can't complain to much, I have made a final in all my swims at the championships and came away with new pb's in all my events so I couldn't be happier tonight".

Laurence McGivern swam a new personal best this morning in his favourite event, the 100m Backstroke (S9 Class) finishing in a time of 1.14.15. Commenting on his performance, Head of Parlaympic Swimming, Dave Malone, observed, "Laurence delivered a fine performance setting a new pb time. He had a strong first 50 meters and held his stroke on the finish and I couldn't have asked for a better swim this morning".

Jonathan McGrath swam in the heats of the 100m Freestyle event (S8 Class) finishing with a time of 1.11.93, outside his personal best time. McGrath has had a very good debut at a major championship, learning a lot form the experience of competing against the best athletes in Europe.

Saturday sees the final day of this European Championship event with two Irish swimmers in competition. Laurence McGivern swims in the 100m Freestyle event (S9 Class) while Stephen Campbell swims in the 100m Freestyle (S11 Class).

For further information, contact the Paralympic Council of Ireland Press Officer, John Fulham at mobile: 087-2709182 or e-mail: communications@pcieland.ie