In that mercilessly definitive moment, Mona McSharry extended her arm to seize a splendid Olympic bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke, alongside four of the era’s most exquisite event experts.
The majority of Olympic swimming medals are determined by a hair’s breadth, marginally gained by those extending quickest and desiring it intensely, and barely lost by those endeavouring to do the same.
Amongst this group, nobody could have desired it more than McSharry, a 23-year-old from the petite coastal hamlet of Grange in County Sligo.
Her tearful reaction upon seeing her name appear in third is undeniable proof of the significance of the moment for her.
Reflecting back on a century of Irish Olympic participation beginning in Paris, 1924, only one other Irish swimmer, Michelle Smith de Bruin, had previously taken home a medal, winning four in 1996. McSharry triumphed in this race, becoming the second to do so – probably a night prior to Daniel Wiffen’s pursuit of his first.
After two blazingly rapid lengths, it was South African Tatjana Smith, holder of the Olympic record and previous winner of gold and silver medals in Tokyo three years prior, who finished first, securing another gold in 1:05.28.
China’s current World Champion, 20-year-old Tang Qianting, who initially led at the turn with McSharry behind, secured silver with 1:05.54.
Next was McSharry, her fingertip brushing the wall in 1:05.59, barely .01 seconds ahead of Italy’s Benedetta Pilatto and the world record holder from the US, Lilly King, both finishing in 1:05.60 and therefore tying for fourth place.
The competition couldn’t have been closer. Both were just a fingertip from securing bronze themselves.
The Paris La Défense Arena has quickly become one of the most vibrant aquatic party venues throughout the history of the Olympics, with Saturday’s opening session being especially lively. This considerable transformation was particularly evident during the evening sessions.
McSharry, after qualifying as the second-fastest during Sunday’s semi-finals, which also saw her surpass her own Irish record with a 1:05.51 time, began the competition from lane five. Smith, her partner from Johannesburg who is indisputably one of the most elite breaststroke practicians of all time, was situated right next to her in lane four. Smith maintains an Olympic record of 1:04.82 she established in Tokyo.
Just slightly missing out on medals is something McSharry is all too familiar with. She came in fifth place at the World Championships held in Doha during February, both in the 100m and 200m breaststroke final rounds; her finish in the 100m event was just half a second too late for her to be awarded a medal.
Three years prior, McSharry had not only made it to the Olympic final but had also made Irish history. She was the initial Irish swimmer since de Bruin to qualify for an Olympic final, advancing to the 100m breaststroke final round in Tokyo where she came in eighth place with a 1:06.94 mark.
McSharry shared her enthusiasm following this accomplishment, although she admitted it hadn’t entirely dawned on her that she had captured a medal. This achievement fulfilled her long-held vision of ascending the Olympic medal podium since she began swimming competitively.
“Once I take the podium, the reality of it will start to settle in,” McSharry continued, “It’s simply surreal that the culmination of many years of toil and perseverance is this tremendously rewarding feeling.”
She stated that she felt a wave of relief, coupled with the surreal realization that her dreams were actually playing out before her. The overwhelming excitement of being in such a position was the cherry on top.
However, the certainty of her close finish eluded McSharry. “I could spot the Chinese participant next to me, and I was aware that she was leading. In a bid to overtake her, I realised I would be uncertain about the circumstances in the adjacent lane which was beyond my view,” she noted.
While recounting her race, she admitted to a troubling start marked by goggles filling up with water. However, she conveyed her determination, resolving not to quit, and continuing the race. With a minuscule difference of just 0.1 between her and the succeeding swimmers, she recognised the thrill of racing and close finishes.
During Monday’s morning session, Ellen Walshe and one Wiffen made history, becoming only the third and fourth Irish nationals to make it to the Olympic finals. Walshe was back in the pool by 8.30 pm, Parisian time, for her 400m individual medley final. Although she came to Paris positioned 15th, making it to the final was a fulfilling experience – a sentiment she shared with her fellow Olympian, McSharry. With a morning time of 4:39.97, she was the seventh fastest in the qualifiers. In contrast, the finals saw her finish eighth, clocking in at 4:40.70. Favourite to win, Canada’s Summer McIntosh, won in a spectacular 4:27.71.
Walshe, a 22-year-old competitor from Dublin, shared her elation, stating this moment is one that will eventually sink in with time. She also expressed her desire to enjoy the experience, as she was unsure of future opportunities. She expressed her gratitude and honour in being part of a talented women’s team.
Similarly, Danielle Hill, a 24-year-old from Antrim, ended up fourth in her heat for the women’s 100m backstroke, securing a place in the semi-finals. However, she ranked 16th overall with a time of 1:00.80 in the semi-finals, thus, missed out on becoming the fifth Irish swimmer to reach the final.
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