Irish swimmer Mona McSharry has won Ireland's first medal of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, claiming Bronze in the 100m breaststroke final on Monday night, July 29.
The Sligo native overcame a slow start to finish with a time of 1.05.59, just behind Gold medal winner Tatjana Smith of South Africa (1.05.28) and Silver medal winner Tang Qianting of China ( 1.05.54).
McSharry exploded into life at the 50-meter turn and surged into second place during the final 50 meters of Monday's final.
Tang, however, closed the gap to take Silver, while McSharry held off a stern challenge from Italy's Benedetta Pilato to remain on the podium.
McSharry's bronze meal represents Ireland's first Olympic swimming medal since 1996 when Michelle Smith won three Gold medals in Atlanta.
The Irish medal winner is also set to compete in the 200m Breaststroke, whose heats begin on July 31.
We’re not crying, you’re crying 🥹
Mona Mc Sharry, a bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics 🥉#TeamIreland | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/y3WcMbyCi3
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) July 29, 2024
McSharry told RTÉ Sport on Monday that becoming an Olympic medallist feels "unbelievable."
"I think there was a moment on the podium where I just started tearing up. That's when it was like, oh s--t, this is really happening," an emotional McSharry said.
"It's unbelievable. It's been a lot of hard work and I think there's always been a little bit of doubt - do I really belong at the top? This proves it.
"I raced my heart out and to be on the right side of a really tight race is really unbelievable."
McSharry admitted it wasn't a "perfect" race and that her goggles filled up with water.
She continued: "Regardless of the result, even being able to compete at this level and confidently be in with a chance of medalling and then actually medalling - it's just what sport is about - those really tight races and just having fun.
"Sometimes it's hard because you're so nervous to really have fun but that's the most important part, just soaking up these moments."
McSharry won her Bronze Olympic medal after considering leaving the sport a few years ago.
"I think almost walking away from the sport really put into perspective why I do it," she said.
"These are just bonuses, and they're amazing bonuses, but it's all the friends, and the family, and the community that I meet and make along the way and that I get to share these moments with are the most important and that's just unbelievable.
"And then getting to be a part of tight races and putting yourself in those positions where you're digging deep and pushing really hard is just really fun."
McSharry added: "I was a little girl from a tiny, little village - and I still am that little girl from Sligo - and I was able to win a medal at the Olympics so it just shows that you can do anything you put your mind to."
"I'm still that little girl from Sligo" 🥉
The tears are in full flow as the reality of Olympic bronze sinks in for Mona McSharry #RTESport #Paris2024
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 29, 2024
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McSharry was soon met with a wave of well wishes back home in Ireland.
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins extended his congratulations, as did Taoiseach Simon Harris who deemed McSharry's performance "magic."
"Ireland is proud," the Taoiseach added.
That’s was magic from Mona McSharry!
Unbelievable turn and technique at the halfway point and what a battle to the end to claim Team Ireland’s first medal. 🥇
Ireland is proud 🇮🇪 #Paris2024 #TeamIreland @TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/h5canue4Zk
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 29, 2024
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