Maynooth Swimming Scholar on Irish Paralympics Team

 

28 June 2012 A second year Politics student at NUI Maynooth was today officially included in the Irish Paralympics Team which will be heading to London at the end of August.  James Scully, from Ratoath in Co Meath will represent Ireland at the Paralympics Games which take place from August 29th September 9th

Mr Scully, who began swimming competitively in 2005, reached international swimming level in 2009.  He was awarded a full international scholarship to attend NUI Maynooth in 2011.  Prof Philip Nolan, President NUI Maynooth, commended James on qualifying for the Paralympics “The University is delighted that James will be representing Ireland at the Paralympics this summer.  His achievement is a testament to his training and hard work over the previous three years.  At NUI Maynooth we strive to create a community which is friendly and open and where diversity is expected and respected”.

Currently ranked 5th in the world, James is hopeful of a good result in London.  In the run up to the Paralympics he has been training for twenty hours a week.  He commended the staff at NUI Maynooth for their support, “I have a lot of support from the University. Everyone on campus has been very supportive, ensuring that I complete course assignments while attending training camps”.

Speaking at the team announcement, Minister of State Michael Ring TD, commented, “I’m very pleased and proud to announce this Irish team today.  It is a tremendous achievement to have qualified for the Paralympics Games and an honour to represent your country on the greatest international stage”. 

Ends:                                 28 June 2012

For more information, please contact:

Deirdre Watters, Communications NUI Maynooth, +353 1 7086160

 

Update: 11 September 2012

Congratulations to James, the following is a list of his events at the 2012 Games:

• 50 freestyle heats- 30th August 11:24-11:32 – placed 9th and swam a lifetime PB of 38.18sec
• 200 freestyle heats- 1st September 10:47-11:04 – placed 6th and swam a lifetime PB. Advanced to final.
  200 freestyle final - 1st September 18:44-18:52 –2.53.03min, placed 5th
• 50 backstroke heats- 6th September 11:17-11:23 – placed 13th and swam 45.27sec
• 100 freestyle heats- 8th September 10:23-10:30 – placed 7th and swam a lifetime PB of 1.21.89min.