Dublin 2018: Ailbhe Kelly shows off home pool on 100 days to go
Irish swimmer takes over World Para Swimming Instagram account 05 May 2018“For me personally, it’s really exciting as it’s based in my home town and it’s a great opportunity for my friends and family to see me compete on the international stage."
On 100 days to go to the Dublin 2018 World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships, Irish swimmer Ailbhe Kelly is taking over the World Para Swimming Instagram account to share her daily routine and preparations for the biggest Para sport ever to take place in her country.
“It’s really exciting to do this takeover, I always love watching other athletes and I hope that I can provide some insight into what kind of environment people can expect for Dublin 2018 this August,” Kelly said.
Very few athletes know so much about the host city as the S8-class swimmer, who not only comes from Dublin but also practices every day at the National Aquatic Centre (NAC), the venue where the European Championships will take place.
The NAC was also the place where Kelly began swimming competitively back in 2009. Now, she is part of a young generation of Irish swimmers who has achieved important international results, including names such as Nicole Turner and Rio 2016 medallist Ellen Keane.
“For me personally, it’s really exciting as it’s based in my home town and it’s a great opportunity for my friends and family to see me compete on the international stage,” said Kelly.
At only 15, Kelly made her international debut at the 2014 Euros in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. One year later, she competed in her first World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, and in 2016 made her Paralympic Games debut in Rio.
Dublin 2018 represents the first step towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and also a great opportunity to showcase Para swimming in Ireland as it is the biggest Para sport event ever to take place in the country.
“I’m really excited about Dublin 2018 I think it’s going to be an event of a very high standard and I’m so excited to have it held in my home pool,” Kelly said.
You can follow Ailbhe Kelly’s takeover on World Para Swimming's Instagram.