SWIMMING Irish Continue Outstanding Form in Pool

Tennessee-based swimmer Ryan Harrison had a remarkable performance today in the 200m freestyle at the World Swimming Championships in Rome, setting a new personal best and Irish Senior record of 1:47.94 - knocking over a second and a half off his previous Irish record set earlier this month at the World University Games in Belgrade.

The 20-year old Derry man lead the race from start to finish, with a particularly powerful back half - a testament to his current fitness levels. Larne swimmer Conor Leaney also clocked a new personal best of 1:50.98, lowering his own previous Irish Junior record.

Ireland had two swimmers in the Women's 1500m freestyle today - both had exceptional swims. Grainne Murphy posted a time of 16:28.47 which is both a new Irish Junior and Senior record. In addition, she finished 15th overall in the event - an exceptional result for the 16 year old rising star from New Ross, Co. Wexford. Nuala Murphy, 20 year-old student who is based at Swim Ireland's Limerick High Performance Centre alongside Grainne also posted a new personal best and very respectable time of 16:37.97.

In the Men's 100m backstroke Karl Burdis recorded a new Irish record time of 54.74, continuing the top form that he displayed just over two weeks ago at the World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia. In the same heat, Dubliner Donal O'Neill who has made a strong comeback after coming out of retirement from swimming not long ago, finished in 56.15.

Speaking from the Foro Italico venue in Rome today, Swim Ireland's High Performance Director Peter Banks said "We've had really great swims on our second day, in particular outstanding performances came from Ryan Harrison, Karl Burdis, Conor Leaney, Grainne Murphy and Nuala Murphy. Great work done by the team so far and we hope this momentum continues as we progress through the week. The support of the Irish Sports Council plays a big role in the opportunities that our swimmers receive, such as preparing for and competing at a major championship like this."

Other Irish swims today were Aisling Cooney (1.02.55) and Melanie Nocher (1.02.76) in the 100m backstroke and Fiona Doyle (1.10.93) in the 100m breaststroke. Irish swimmers in action tomorrow are Andrew Bree and Barry Murphy (50m breaststroke), Niamh O'Sullivan and Clare Dawson (200m freestyle).

There will be no further correspondence today; the next correspondence will be tomorrow afternoon lunchtime.

Issued on behalf of Swim Ireland, whose High Performance Programme is supported and funded by the Irish Sports Council.