Mona McSharry is “probably glad” she did not give up on competitive swimming, her mother has said. 

Yesterday, the 23-year-old Sligo woman won Ireland’s first medal of the Paris Olympics, claiming a bronze in the 100 metres breaststroke race. 

The medal is Ireland’s first in swimming since the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and the first ever in breaststroke.

Mona narrowly missed out on representing Ireland in Rio in 2016 but competed in Tokyo five years later.

You can do anything you put your mind to 💚#TeamIreland | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/dtACg63QhM

— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) July 29, 2024

On Newstalk Breakfast, her mother, Viola McSharry, said her daughter considered giving up on competitive swimming after the Tokyo games and that most people do not realise “how much work actually goes into it.” 

“We’re all glad [she didn’t give up] and I think she’s probably glad too,” she said. 

“I think people don’t realise the huge commitment swimmers have to bring to the table - the early mornings, the hours. 

“Most of your time really goes into training, fuelling yourself for training, resting for training. 

“It’s an ongoing cycle and it’s very hard to keep that going.” 

Mona still has one race left to compete in, after which she will return to America, where she is studying at the University of Tennessee. 

“When she does come home to Ireland, then I’m sure there’s going to be a bit of a party,” Viola said. 

We’re not crying, you’re crying 🥹

Mona Mc Sharry, a bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics 🥉#TeamIreland | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/y3WcMbyCi3

— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) July 29, 2024

Mona is not the only member of her family to exercise regularly - the McSharrys previously took part in Ireland’s Fittest Family. 

“I guess we do a little bit, all of us,” Viola said. 

“But the kids carried us through Ireland’s Fittest Family.” 

President Michael D Higgins sent his congratulations to her for her “wonderful achievement” and Taoiseach Simon Harris described her performance as “magic”.

Main image: Mona McSharry. Picture by: Sportsfile.