Meet Róisín Ní Riain, a para swimmer representing Ireland

A rising star on the global swimming circuit, Róisín is a leading contender for a spot in Ireland’s Paralympic swim team at this year’s Paralympic Games. Róisín, who lives and trains in Limerick, has already achieved remarkable success in her career both as an athlete competing at the highest level and as an advocate for equality and inclusivity.

Róisín competes in the S13 category for athletes with a visual impairment and she’s the current World Para Swimming Champion in the 100m Backstroke. She also holds the World Record in the 200m backstroke, which she set in 2023.

At just 16 years old, Róisín was the youngest athlete competing at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games and she made five finals. While competing at an elite level in swimming, Róisín is also balancing her academic pursuits, and is studying for a Degree in Science at the University of Limerick.

At the end of 2023, Róisin was nomintated for an RTÉ Sports Award in both the Sportperson of the Year and Young Sportsperson of the year categories. She also received a nomination for a Her Sports Award in the Young Athlete of the Year category. Her remarkable achievements, and values that sports are open to all, no matter your journey continue to be an inspiration for many.