by Bernie English bernie@limerickpost.ie
IT’S full speed ahead for Limerick’s Olympic swimming qualifier Fiona Doyle who departed this week for the University of Calgary in Canada where she will begin a gruelling training schedule in preparation for next August’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Fiona secured her place in the Olympics last month when she won a bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke final at the World University Games in South Korea, one of two medals she secured at the event.
Speaking at Shannon Airport, the twenty three-year old Raheen woman said, “Competing in the Olympics has been my dream since I was twelve years old and once I return to university it will be full speed ahead with intensive swimming and weighs training for six and even seven days a week. On average I will be swimming 50 kilometres a week.”
Not that Fiona took much time out during her stay in Limerick, as she trained regularly at the University of Limerick and, in addition to her training sessions in Calgary, she will continue her studies for a BA in Kinesiology at the university.
Limerick Metropolitan Mayor Jerry O’Dea was at Shannon Airport to wish Fiona well and said: “Competing for the Olympics requires tremendous commitment and drive which Fiona has in abundance. I am delighted at her success she is a wonderful ambassador for Limerick and Ireland.”
Shannon Group Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Murphy met Fiona, her proud parentsJim and Mary Doyle and her twin sister Eimear, to wish her well on her Olympic adventure.
“At Shannon Airport we love to celebrate community success and Fiona is an accomplished and inspirational athlete who will do Ireland proud. We would like to wish her every success,” said Mr. Murphy.
