After dedicating her life to achieving her dream, it took a mere 11.94 seconds for Orla Comerford to secure her place on a Paralympic Games podium. On the sixth day of the Games, Tuesday at 8 pm in Paris, Team Ireland’s medal tally was doubled within the span of five minutes and 36 seconds. This was courtesy of Comerford and swimmer Róisín Ní Riain, both of whom bagged third place, marking a significant moment for Irish sports in the French capital.
Comerford, a Raheny Shamrock sprinter appeared in an excellent form this season, was among the top three finishers half-way through the 100m finale at Stade de France, outstripping the gold and bronze medalists from the Tokyo Games. At 26 years old, her finish was just slightly above her personal best of 11.90. Despite this, Comerford excelled in one of her career’s most crucial races.
This marks Comerford’s third time participating in the Games. Her debut in Rio saw her compete in the 100m final and secure an eighth place, though her Tokyo attempt was disrupted by injuries. During Tuesday’s competition, Comerford was outpaced by Lamiya Valiyeva, who set a new world record at 11.76 seconds, and silver medalist Rayane Soares Da Silva, who finished in 11.78 seconds, beating the former world record of 11.79. Comerford, reflecting on the race, said she doesn’t retain any specific memories of it, but recalled making an effort to remain calm and push further. While this was sufficient for her securing third place, it wasn’t enough to bag a higher medal.
Conceding to a bronze medal in Paris, she asserts that it’s not her ultimate achievement; rather, it’s one of the many objectives she aims to fulfil on her epic journey. Enthusiastically, she declares that she has many more accomplishments in store. She started the year cognizant that setting a global record was the victory she was chasing, and that was what her sight was settled on.
Though a high aim, she believes it’s within her capabilities, and is giddy about the forthcoming period of striving for that and beyond. On completing the race, her initial reaction was one of dissatisfaction, however, once she faced her family, she acknowledged the significance of her accomplishment.
She remarks with glee about the overwhelming Irish backing, giving off a domestic games vibe. Her hair was adorned with two azure ribbons, a tribute to her childhood mate, Elaine Moran, who breathed her last about ten years ago. She always brings Elaine along with her during important races.
Elaine, a fervent Dubs fan, was fond of blue ribbons. At her memorial, everyone had the blue ornament in their hair. Her parents instituted the Blue Ribbon Fund with Heart Children Ireland, so with every significant race, she honours Elaine by wearing the ribbon in her hair.
The evening was rich with emotions for other reasons as well. Her performance in Tokyo had been tethered not only by a medical condition but also by the passing of her cherished mentor Brian Corcoran. His mention pushed her to tears. His spouse, Connie, and son, Rob, came to the stadium to witness the athlete Brian had trained blossom into a Paralympic medallist.
She unearthed that during the Tokyo games, she was preoccupied and detached due to the surmounting events. Many familiar faces were present, including Brian’s family and her club members. It’s an absolute honour and privilege to have them all watching. She expresses hopefulness that they all are proud, especially Brian’s family, which Brian surely would be as well, she mused.
The sentiment is, undoubtedly, universally shared.