Anna Hennessy sets personal best at World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships

Letterkenny swimmer Anna Hennessy recorded a new personal best in the 200 m freestyle while representing Ireland at the World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Albufeira, Portugal.

Performance details

The 26‑year‑old was the sole female qualifier in a six‑strong Irish squad that competed from 1 – 6 November against athletes from 24 countries. Hennessy entered seven events, including the 50 m, 100 m and 200 m freestyle, 50 m and 100 m backstroke, 50 m butterfly and 100 m individual medley. She posted a time of 3:48.01 in the 200 m freestyle, her fastest ever, and matched previous bests in two other races. In the 50 m freestyle she recorded 43.61 seconds, finishing fourth in her age category during the heats.

Hennessy trains with Swilly Seals in Letterkenny and is also a member of Nemo Swimming Club. The Irish team, led by head coach Niall Molloy, included swimmers from Kildare, Kilkenny, Westmeath and Mullingar. Team Ireland also celebrated a bronze medal won by Robbie English in the 200 m backstroke (3:05.78).

The championships, held biennially, are described by the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation as the equivalent of the Olympics for swimmers with Down syndrome. The Portuguese Swimming Federation praised the exceptionally high standard of competition and the numerous world records set across T21 and Mosaic categories.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: SHVETS production / Pexels.