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Midlands Duo Move Step Closer To Olympic Dream

Wednesday, 27 January 2021 12:24

It's after Swim Ireland revised it's nomination policy for Tokyo 2021.

Portarlington's Shane Ryan and Longford's Darragh Greene have moved a step closer to representing Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics. 

Swim Ireland yesterday announced a revised policy for sending swimmers to the games which allow the duo to be considered. 

It would be Shane Ryan's second games having swam five years ago in Rio. 

He's achieved the qualifying 'A' standard in the 100m backstroke. 

Greene meanwhile attained the qualifying time in the 100m and 200m breaststroke. 

National Performance Director Jon Rudd said:

“This revised Policy is a COVID-specific move away from that which has become our regular and recognised selection process for a summer senior international benchmark meet because of these exceptional times and aims to provide athletes with the fairest possible opportunity to be nominated to the OFI for the Tokyo Olympic Games. We spent a great deal of time looking at that which we truly believe in for international success (individual event selection via a sole Trials) to that which has become necessary because of the unprecedented circumstances that we have faced over the last 10 months – circumstances that are still with us and will remain so for some months to come. We believe that the breadth and balance that the four stage Nomination Process gives us satisfies our performance need, whilst being underpinned by a process which is ethically sound in terms of athlete opportunity.”

National Senior Team Head Coach Ben Higson said:

“With the uncertainty that has surrounded and continues to surround us regarding COVID-19, it has been imperative that we respond and not react to the situation we find ourselves in. The new four stage approach provides fairness in opportunity and will hopefully ensure as many of our athletes as possible can be on the plane to Tokyo. Athletes and coaches have worked tirelessly throughout the past four years and deserve to have the best possible opportunity to qualify.’

The next opportunity for athletes to qualify for the Games will be the Irish Open Championships (Olympic and Paralympic Trials).

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