Paralympians praised as golden girl Bethany lands back in Belfast

Q Radio News

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has passed on her congratulations to all our local athletes who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

The Games closed on Sunday after 12 days of competitive sport.

Overall, our Paralympians brought home six medals, with Bethany Firth winning two gold and two silver medals for her success in swimming – the ninth medal of her career; and Jason Smyth a gold medal for his success in the 100 metres race – the sixth medal of his career. James MacSorley was also part of the wheelchair basketball team that took bronze – his first Paralympic medal.

Paralympics star Bethany Firth has landed in Belfast - with a four-medal haul, to a hero's welcome!

The 25-year-old Seaforde swimmer secured an amazing two golds and two silvers in Tokyo:@BethanyFirth2 @ParalympicsGB #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics #ParaSwimming

Picture: Alan Lewis pic.twitter.com/H0lyvY5Wa6

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 5, 2021

For others, the games are the realisation of a dream, having achieved the status of Paralympian and competed in one of the greatest competitions in the world.

Minister Hargey said: “We will look back at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games with great pride at the remarkable achievements of our local Paralympians.   To watch all seven of our athletes compete, in what has been one of the memorable Games in the most unique of circumstances, has been inspiring and I congratulate all of them on their success. 

“To take on the rest of the world in their chosen sport is no mean feat and  I congratulate Bethany Firth, Jason Smyth and James MacSorley for their medal wins.  I am delighted that once again they have been recognised as the best in the world in that sport.

“It is also important that I recognise those who provided support to the athletes in the run up to and during the games.  Credit must go to all the coaches, clubs, administrators, medical personnel and support staff who are critical to ensuring that those competing were as prepared as they could have been.  Also, let’s not forget all the friends and families cheering their loved ones on back home and who offer invaluable support. 

“We have been extremely proud to support each and every one of our Paralympians and to share in the highs and lows of the competitions.  They will have inspired budding athletes to aim for the best or simply have triggered an interest in many to try out a new sport.”

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey

Meanwhile, the homecoming celebrations continue:

🎥 Brilliant Bethany back in Belfast

After winning FOUR medals - two golds, two silvers - @BethanyFirth2 returned from Tokyo in triumph tonight to be greeted by family and friends - on two and four legs👇

We hear from the golden girl on air am #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/MPgBYJJFaE

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 5, 2021

Priceless look on @BethanyFirth2 face as Sean Og Kearney (6) asks if the Tokyo Paralympics gold x2 & silver x2 medallist is a good swimmer?!

Sean & his mum were @BELFASTCITY_AIR to welcome Bethany home along with family, friends & bestie, little dog Russell

Pictures: Alan Lewis pic.twitter.com/DkhU3H4OGo

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 5, 2021