After leading on several occasions UL’s Chris Bryan eventually finished an excellent 7th in the 10k Open Water race on Wednesday. The conditions were tough for Chris with water temperature of 29 degrees (similar to a bath) significantly increasing his risk of overheating. However the event provided an excellent developmental experience for Chris not only as preparation for his open water race at the World Swimming Championships in Barcelona on Monday but also in preparation for the 2015 World Swimming Championships which coincidentally will also be held in Kazan.
Overall all it has been a successful trip to Kazan for Team Ireland with a return of:
- one silver medal (Fiona Doyle in the 100m Breaststroke),
- 5 new national senior swimming records (4 by Andrew Meegan and 1 by Fiona Doyle),
- Qualification to the final of their respective events/disciplines by 11 of our athletes – Amy Foster, Brian Gregan, Claire Tarplee, Jessie Barr, Michelle Finn, Laura Reynolds, Tomas Cotter, Monika Dukarska, Andrew Meegan, Chris Bryan and Fiona Doyle and
- Commendable 5th and 6th placing for our men’s and women’s football teams respectively in the football competition.
However undoubtedly the most successful aspect of the 2013 World University Games was the spirit of togetherness and one for all generated by Team Ireland during the games and which was so expertly fostered by Cathy and Neasa as Head of Delegation and Assistant Head of Delegation respectively. The 82 members of Team Ireland have now gone their separate ways and while they will never again come together as one they share the brilliant memories of the Kazan World University Games.
2013 World University Games Links
- To view a detailed breakdown of Team Ireland results please follow this link: 2013 Kazan World University Games Team Ireland Results
- To review the various posts and update on the SSI web site please follow this link: 2013 World University Games Updates
- To review a sample of Cathal Noonan’s photos follow this link: 2013 World University Games Gallery.
