Ireland’s Mona McSharry was a bundle of emotions and hardly able to contain her excitement during a post-race interview following her bronze medal-winning performance in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke final.
“I think there was a moment on the podium where I just started tearing up and that’s when it was like, ‘oh shit, this is really happening’, and it’s just, it’s unbelievable,” McSharry said.
“It’s been a lot of hard work, and I think there’s always been a little bit of doubt you know, do I really belong at the top, and you know, this, this proves it!”
McSharry went on to talk about how the most important aspect of the sport to her is having fun and enjoying these exciting moments surrounded by community.
“Honestly, regardless of the result, just even being able to compete at this level, and, like, confidently be in with a chance of you know, medaling and then actually medaling, is just – it’s what sport is about, those really tight races and just having fun, and sometimes it’s hard ‘cause you’re so nervous to really have fun, but I mean that’s the most important part and just soaking up these moments.”
McSharry’s performance in the 100 breast secured Ireland its first Olympic medal in swimming since 1996.
You can see her full interview below.
Mona McSharry Post-Race Interview
"I'm still that little girl from Sligo" 🥉
The tears are in full flow as the reality of Olympic bronze sinks in for Mona McSharry #RTESport #Paris2024
📱Updates https://t.co/NhnQoPxaeE
📺Watch https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/bq90VJUOak— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 29, 2024
Congrats Mona! Well done
Mona McSharry may be one of my favorite stories of the meet. Typically you see emotional reactions to winning medals, but man, it’s so clear from her and the Irish contingents reaction that this one means so much more to them all. What an incredible race to see!