Tokyo gold medallist has proved an inspirational trailblazer in the pool since her debut at the 2008 Games in Beijing
Ellen Keane: is about to compete in her fifth and final Paralympics, this time in Paris. 'I’d say physically my body could probably keep going, but five Games is a lot for anyone.' Photograph: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
In the years since, Keane has transcended her sport – emerging as a household name in popular culture after appearing on Dancing with the Stars, acting as joint Grand Marshal alongsidefor the 2022 Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade and even having her image feature on a special series of An Post stamps.Ronan Grimes fully committed to one last spin on competitive carousel
In the team announcement before the athletes made their way to Paris, Keane was at ease with the pathway ahead. There will be no going back. “That’s probably the hardest thing for me because I’m like, ‘I want to go home to my dogs’. The harder thing for me as well is I’ve seen so many people come and go, my friends from different countries, there’s not as many of them. You feel like my generation is kind of ready to move on.”
However, that will not be her final swim. Keane was determined to qualify for a second event for the Paris Games and achieved the qualifying time to race in the S9 100-metre backstroke, which takes place on Tuesday, September 3rd.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Your top stories on Tuesday: Oasis confirm reunion; RSA warned over ‘tricky’ politiciansThe latest news from Ireland and abroad including: Ellen Keane eager to make a splash for Ireland in the Paralympic Games, and train station opens 15 years after it was built
Read more »
Ireland star who idolised Roy Keane aiming to follow in his footstepsThe 22-year-old midfielder has joined St Mirren on a season-long loan deal from Crystal Palace that includes an obligation to buy next summer
Read more »
Roy Keane thinks Lee Carsley had eye on England when turning Ireland downCarsley was at the top of the FAI's wishlist to replace Stephen Kenny, but the former Ireland midfielder rejected their repeated advances
Read more »
Olympic Breakfast: Ireland close in on gold medal number 4 at dream GamesHere are all the key events coming up on day nine, with Daniel Wiffen aiming for another historic triumph.
Read more »
In Pictures: Daniel Wiffen strikes gold as Ireland claim second medal of the Olympic GamesCo Armagh swimmer as good as his word and claims 800m freestyle gold medal in Paris
Read more »
Team Ireland target 'eight to 10' medals at Paralympic GamesBalance to be struck between visibility and high performance, says Paralympics Ireland CEO Stephen McNamara.
Read more »