Rio 2016 Olympian Nicholas Quinn has praised Mona McSharry for reaching the Women’s 100m Backstroke final and tipped her to achieve bigger things in the latest Swim Ireland swimming review video.
Mona McSharry became the first Irish swimmer to take part in an Olympic final since Michelle Smith in 1996.
McSharry came eighth in the final but Quinn was full of praise for the 20-year-old, who made her dreams come true.
“All these experiences are going to stand to Mona as she moves forward in her career because let’s be clear, this is only a step in Mona’s journey,” Quinn said on his daily review show.
The Irish senior record holder can add Olympic finalist to an already-impressive resumé that includes a World Championship in the 100m Breastroke and high finishes at senior European Championships.
At only 20 years of age, McSharry has her whole career ahead of her and can become an even better swimmer over time.
McSharry swam the final in 1:06.9 and Quinn feels there are a lot of positives she can take from her performance.
“Her dive was probably the best dive she’s done across the three rounds. She turned a 50 in 31.6, which was the same time she turned at the 50 in the semi-final.”
However, he feels that the University of Tennessee student used up the majority of her energy too early and it’s what cost her on the latter 50m.
McSharry’s run to becoming only the second Irish person to swim in an Olympic final has caught the eye of the Irish public.
The Sligo native was the third-youngest woman in the final and, at her age, could have several more Olympic appearances on the cards in the future, form permitting.
Olympian Quinn described the Olympic finalist as an inspiration for a generation.
“Mona won’t realise the impact she has had on others yet, but she will in years to come.”
