Katie O’Brien and Tiarnán O’Donnell, two rowers from Ireland who only teamed up last year, attribute their powerful partnership to shared determination, mutual chemistry and the encouragement of their loved ones. Both are hopeful that these virtues will usher them to a triumphant stint at the Paralympics.
Among the 35-strong Team Ireland participating at the Paralympic Games, this pair is geared up to contend in the mixed doubles sculls heats this Friday. They were heartily received at the Irish embassy in Paris on Tuesday, with Taoiseach Simon Harris among the attendees.
Tiarnán openly regards Katie as the dominant force both on and off the boat, setting the pulsating rhythm for their races. His role is to stay in sync with her and give it his all in every row.
In 2019 Katie secured her first-ever World Championship medal, but unfortunately, the 27-year-old has since faced multiple injuries. Despite these hurdles, she feels she’s now on the right path, attributing a part of their success to the spectacular chemistry she shares with Tiarnán. Overwhelmed with joy being in Paris, she is grateful for the privilege to represent her country.
Tiarnán, a recent convert from wheelchair basketball to rowing, is equally thrilled. He’s eagerly looking forward to his debut as a Paralympian with his family among the global spectators. His career owes much to his family’s unwavering support. They will be cheering him alongside an estimated 200-strong crowd of supporters.
Chloe MacCombe will also be making her Paralympic debut in the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games scheduled to commence this Wednesday. She will be vying against her twin sister, Judith, for a medal in the triathlon category. A visually-impaired 29-year-old from Derry, she’s determined to bag the gold, with her guide, Catherine Sands, by her side.
To serve as Ireland’s representative brings along an overwhelming sense of honour, pride and accountability. The nature of triathlon is such that, anything could transpire on the competition day. One can only strive to manage the variables within their control and put forth their best efforts. Drawing inspiration from Ireland’s success at the recent Olympics, the drive to perform well is stronger than ever.
Many are fuelled by the goal to surpass past records and inspire children with disabilities to venture into sports. Britney Arendse, who finished seventh in the Tokyo tournament, aims to secure, at the very least, a bronze in Paris and pave the way for individuals grappling with physical or mental health-related difficulties.
Britney, a 24-year-old hailing from Mullagh in Co Cavan, suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of a car accident when she was only nine years old, leaving her paralysed below the waist. She acknowledges her luck in surviving the incident. As the competition draws near, she is preparing herself for a wave of mixed emotions but remains intensely focused on her training at present.