Sycerika McMahon dominates 50m breaststroke heats at 2011 Irish Long Course Championships
Ireland’s 16-year-old Sycerika McMahon stunned the crowd by dominating the preliminary rounds of Women’s 50m breaststroke of the championship at the National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown on April 28, 2011.
The championship is a trial basis for Irish swimmers to qualify for the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai.
McMahon qualified as the fastest swimmer into the finals, clocking a wonderful 33.23 seconds ahead of ESB’s India McGlynn and Lisa Comerford, who touched the wall for second and third fastest qualification, clocking a time of 34.64 and 35.74 seconds respectively.
McMahon of LEA seemed confident after her arrival on the starting blocks. At the start of the event, her quickest dive provided her the edge and she became the fastest in the first 10 metres of the race. McMahon demonstrated her potential in the first 25
metres of the race where she was in a comfortable lead of 0.53 seconds from her closest swimmer, McGlynn.
Later, McGlynn tried to engage her in a close battle but the 16-year-old McMahon proved her eligibility for the fastest spot when she extended her lead in the last 15 metres of the race. Her perfect swimming stroke coupled with a gruelling technique enabled
her to clock a wonderful time of 33.23 seconds that was 1.41 seconds ahead of her closest swimmer, McGlynn.
In addition, McGlynn did the same to her team member, Comerford, who was only 1.10 seconds away from her and secured the third fastest qualification spot into the finals. Comerford was followed by Niamh Bryson and Aisling Reid, who touched the wall in a
time of 35.97 and 36.53 seconds. The sixth fastest spot was earned by Charlotte Reid with a timing of 36.92 seconds.
McMahon expressed extreme happiness on her fastest qualification saying that she had it in herself. She said that she knew in the morning that this is her event and she vows to sustain her position in the finals.
The semi-final of the event will be conducted in the evening session, where the eight fastest swimmers will qualify for Friday’s final.
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