MBE is icing on the cake for swimming sensation

MBE is icing on the cake for swimming sensation

4 January 2017

SEAFORDE Paralympian Bethany Firth — who won three gold medals and a silver in the pool at the Rio Games — is delighted to be one of five local people to receive MBEs in the New Year Honours.

The 20 year-old swimmer said she was delighted to “receive such a great honour” and could not wait to go to Buckingham Palace to receive her award.

The Paralympian golden girl revealed she has already been to the palace and is really looking forward to going back.

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

Her golden performances came in the 200m individual medley, 200m freestyle and 100m backstroke. She won silver in the 100m breaststroke.

Bethany has thanked everyone who has been involved in her glittering career to date, thanking everyone for their great support.

“It came as a shock when I found out about the MBE but I am thrilled to receive this award,” said the delighted swimmer, who described 2016 as a “wonderful year” for her.

“My wonderful year would not have been possible without the great team I have behind me, including my family and my coach Nelson Lindsay.”

Bethany added: “Swimming is a great sport to be involved in and I am just grateful to everyone who helped me along the way.”

Bethany’s mum, Lyndsey, says she “couldn’t be prouder” of her daughter.

She said this time last year she couldn’t have begun to imagine what would unfold over the next 12 months and is overjoyed her daughter will be given an MBE.

“Last year we were watching the clock count down to 2016 and we did wonder what it would hold, but we didn’t think it would be as amazing as it was and we’re delighted with what Bethany’s achieved,” she said.

”Bethany seems to be shining out there and I know all of her brothers and sisters are delighted for as well.”

Mrs Firth said Bethany is already looking ahead and is training with her coach for her next events as she prepares for another busy year.

“Bethany’s just delighted with everything she’s achieved. She always wants to do better and she’s now preparing with Nelson for the next gold and seeing how well she does in the next competition.

“She couldn’t have done it without Nelson, the Ards swimming coaches, the Sports Institute

Northern Ireland, Disability Sport NI, and of course Team GB.

“Bethany, wouldn’t be anywhere without all of their help. She is delighted about the MBE, but she will say, as she did with the medals, it’s not just her MBE, it’s everyone’s.”