Team Ireland headed to the La Défense Arena for the final time today with Barry McClements taking to the blocks for the 100m Butterfly S9 Heat. McClements, who is competing in his second Paralympic Games, advanced to tonight’s final in a time of 1:01.85, finishing third in his heat and sixth overall.
The National Centre (Ulster) swimmer was in fourth position as he headed for home following the first 50-metres. McClements was eventually the third swimmer to stop the clock, qualifying for tonight’s final as sixth fastest in 1:01.85. The time is just shy of the 22-year-old’s lifetime best of 1:01.39, and his second fastest ever heat swim.
Speaking after this morning’s heat, McClements said: “That felt good. There were no technical issues, the start and turn were both good. I maybe got caught out in the first couple of strokes and tied up in the last 15m, but that will be corrected tonight so I’m happy enough.”
My front-end speed isn’t as fast as the other guys, I always bring it back. At the Europeans I turned fifth at the wall and finished third, so my back-end speed I’m able to bring it back a bit more than the other guys. That’s my second fastest morning swim ever, so hopefully a PB tonight.”
McClements secured his second final and Team Ireland’s 11th final at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which is set to get underway at 5:35pm (IRE).
Result – 6th September
100m Butterfly S9 Heat: Barry McClements, 1:01.85 (6th), Q
Schedule – 6th September
100m Butterfly S9 Final (5:35pm): Barry McClements
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