Games delight for Rachel

The delighted fourteen year old is the youngest member of Northern Ireland’s Games squad who will compete in Glasgow next month.

Rachel, a pupil at Wallace High School, has overcome injury to make the team, having reached her qualifying time in her final swim within the qualifying period.

The local girl says she hopes to achieve a Personal Best time in Glasgow and is already looking to the future as she aims to make the next Commonwealth Games squad for Australia in 2018.

“I’m very excited,” Rachel said. “It’s an amazing opportunity and the first step hopefully to another Commonwealth Games. It’s my hobby and hopefully I will have a career out of it.”

Coached by former Olympian, Richard Gheel and Davy Wilson, Rachel swims for Lisburn City Swimming Club and is a member of the Ulster High Performance Squad and Irish Youth Squad.

She is also supported by the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland (SINI).

Rachel added: “When I first found out I was definitely going, when I got my time, it was more exciting but now it’s more scary. It’s amazing, but it’s nervewracking at the same time. I’m looking forward to it.”

Rachel will be supported by her family at the Games. She will attend the Opening Ceremony on July 23 and her final race will take place on Tuesday July 29. However, as she is under 18, Rachel will have to return home as she cannot remain in the athletes village.

Rachel said: “My granny, grandad, mum, dad and sister will be there.”

Rachel first went under the consideration time for the Commonwealth Games last July, although the qualification period did not start until January 2014.

“Just before Christmas I injured my back, which was a set back,” explained Rachel. “But with the support of my coaches and SINI I made it.

“I originally hit the time last year but it wasn’t until the last swim of the qualifying that I hit it again, I was definitely leaving it till the last minute.

“I’ve always watched the Commonwealth Games on TV and hoped I would be there now people will be watching me.

“I will definitely be targeting a Personal Best time. Everyone has a gala to work towards the whole year, this is my gala. I want to make the best time I can do.”

Rachel is the current British Age Group Champion in 100m freestyle (retaining 2012 title) and British Age Group Champion in 200m freestyle. She is also the 400m silver medallist.

Last July she competed in the European Youth Olympics in Utrecht, Holland for Ireland and was a finalist in the 200m freestyle (the highest ranked swimmer born in the year 2000).

The Lisburn teenager may have some serious competition in years to come - from her little sister.

“I hope to be there in 2018 in Australia. Hopefully my sister Leah, who is 11, will be in Australia with me - she could end up beating me.

“My teammates are all very excited for me and they push me on during sets.

“I’d like to thank my coaches Richard Gheel and Davy Wilson, who have been a great help.”