Dreams come true for Kilkenny swimmer Robbie English in Italy

When Irish people think of Italy we think of the colosseum in Rome, the canals of Venice, the lakes of the north but for Kilkenny swimmer Robbie English it will always be a 50-metre pool in Padova.

It was a momentous week for the man from Clara who was part of the Irish team competing in the SUDS European Championships which is the European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships.

Robbie competed in eight individual events 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle. In backstroke 50m, 100m and 200m plus the 50m butterfly. With so many events it was a busy week.

From these events, Robbie showed his prowess at backstroke as he qualified for three backstroke finals where he was awarded bronze medals in the Senior Men’s Category in all three distances 50m, 100m & 200m.

As if eight individual events were not enough, Robbie took to the blocks for an Irish teams 4 x 100m medley relay. Being a backstroke specialist Robbie swam the first leg and gave them the perfect start with a courageous swim. His teammates did their part and the Irish team claimed an amazing bronze medal. Robbie was particularly delighted with this medal as the Irish team managed to beat their Italian hosts in temperatures nearing 40 degrees.

Swimmers are always chasing personal best (PB’s) and in Italy Robbie claimed five new ones.

On his return it was back to the Watershed for training. Swimmers always seem to be training.  However, he had time to celebrate with his Kilkenny Swimming Club teammates. Naturally Robbie was absolutely thrilled and spoke about his experience in Italy.

“Padova 2023 was amazing and my dreams came true. I aimed to qualify for the European Championships and I did," he said.

Robbie also expressed his gratitude to his coaches and teammates for their ongoing support.