Tokyo 2020: Team Ireland profiles - Ellen Walshe (Swimming)

Walshe had a nervous wait before qualification was confirmed

Ellen Walshe  at the Sport Ireland Institute. Photograph: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Ellen Walshe at the Sport Ireland Institute. Photograph: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Age: 19

Main Event: 200m Individual Medley

Club: Templeogue Swimming Club

From Templeogue in Dublin, Walsh had a bit of a nervous wait after winning the 200m Individual Medley at the Swim Ireland last chance meet in June, breaking the Irish record twice, and 0.44 of a second under the Olympic qualifying time for the event. Though not initially deemed eligible for Tokyo, Swim Ireland revised their policy to allow her in. Irish senior record holder in the 200m Individual Medley and 100m Butterfly, Walsh first showed her promise in 2015, winning silver at the European Youth Olympic Games in the 100m Butterfly. She is coached by Brian Sweeney.

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Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics