DUBLIN'S David Malone reminded the world of Ireland's new-found prominence in swimming by streaking home in his heat of the loo metres backstroke in the F9 category at the Paralympics in Atlanta yesterday.

Malone touched first in the second of three heats to qualify in 1:10.48 as the third fastest finalist. What is even more encouraging is that the top three are covered by only 0.5 of a second and a repeat of Malone's career best 1:09 would leave him with every chance of gold. Unfortunately, fellow 100 metres backstroker Gerry Dunne trailed in last in an F10 category heat and this illustrates the high level of competition in the pool.

For those not in the know, boccia is a sport similar to bowls, specifically adapted for the requirements of people with severe disabilities land Ireland's foursome of Gabriel Shelley, Tom Leahy, Eoin Cleare and Jason Kearney have already left Sweden, Britain and Denmark in their wake. Now, they face Portugal for an automatic place in the semi-finals. The team's current form has been excellent and thoughts of a medal are not unrealistic.

Ireland's soccer team were unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament 3-0 by a tenacious USA side. After a demanding schedule that included a loss to Russia and a memorable victory over Brazil, the ferocious midday temperature at kick-off sapped Ireland's reserves of energy.

Archer Grace Gaughan fought valiantly in her paraplegic section Olympic Round knock-out contest. Gaughan is married to Olympic archer Keith Hanlon and, while her husband went out at the final 16 stage, she made it to the last eight only to lose 101-89.

Two of Britain's distance runners achieved remarkable milestones on the track. Noel Thatcher smashed the 10,000 metres world record for the partially sighted by 50 seconds. The Harlow physiotherapist was winning his third gold medal in three successive paralympics to add to his 800 metres in Seoul and 1,500 metres in Barcelona. Despite the serious hindrance of a stress fracture to his left tibia, Thatcher's dream is to emulate his hero Emile Zatopek. The Czechoslovakian completed the 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres and marathon treble at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952.

Bob Matthews MBE is one of the most distinguished athletes in paralympic history. Yesterday, he won his fourth medal in as many Games when taking silver in the 1,500 metres for the visually impaired.