Bethany shows off Paralympic medals to college friends

Bethany shows off Paralympic medals to college friends

26 October 2016

PARALYMPIAN golden girl Bethany Firth recently returned to her academic studies to a hero’s 

welcome after her recent medal success in Rio.

The Seaforde swimmer — who won three gold medals and a silver in the pool — was back at her desk at the South Eastern Regional College’s Bangor campus to complete her extended diploma in sport qualification.

Bethany’s impressive performance for Team GB in Rio saw her set a new Games records by clocking 2:03.30 in the 200m freestyle event. 

The 20-year-old’s golden performances came in the 200-metre individual medley, 200-metre freestyle and 100-metre backstroke, with her silver coming in the 100-metre women’s breaststroke.

The South Eastern Regional College is delighted to see Bethany return to her studies and is currently planning an official homecoming celebration next month to give staff, students and fans the opportunity to mark her success and pay their own tribute to her.

College tutor, Lynda Robinson, colleagues and Bethany’s new classmates were among those awaiting the Paralympian’s arrival and during her first class the Seaforde girl was presented with of a bouquet of flowers and enjoyed some celebratory cake with her new friends. 

The Paralympic champion also beamed with pride as she showed off her hard-earned medals.

“We are glad to welcome Bethany back to College and our fresher’s can look up to how she has dealt with the fame. She is a fantastic role model for our organisation,” said Lynda who is Assistant Head of School for Applied Science and Sport.

The College has a proud tradition of supporting student-athletes in their sporting and academic pursuits, including in 2012 when Chloe Brown got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to accompany David Beckham and four other young sports people to attend the Olympic flame handover in Athens. 

The College recently affirmed its commitment to supporting its student-athletes when Ulster, Irish and British Lions rugby legend Stephen Ferris launched its Elite Athlete Programme, designed to provide aspiring elite athletes with the support they need to achieve both academic and sporting excellence.

Lynda continued: “We know the commitment that is required to compete at a high level and recognise that elite sporting activity can impact on a student-athlete’s ability to reach their full academic potential.

“The Elite Athlete Programme has been set up specifically to support elite and emerging athletes in achieving academic success by supporting them with flexible study assistance during their studies and sporting endeavours.”

“It is hoped that the programme will educate, inspire and empower student athletes to complete their education whilst also following their ambition. It’s our vision that every student leaving the College will be inspired to achieve both academic and sporting excellence.”