McClements 'got everything perfect' on way to silver medal

Para-swimmer Barry McClements claimed a Commonwealth Games silver medal in the men's S9 100m backstroke at Tollcross Swimming Centre.

It's Northern Ireland's second medal of the Games in Glasgow after Bethany Firth took bronze on Saturday in the women's S14 100m freestyle.

McClements, who won the bronze four years ago in the same event in Birmingham, pushed Australia's Timothy Hodge all the way to the touch, finishing in a time of 1:03.68, just 0.68 behind the Australian.

"This morning it was about just being comfortable, leaving a bit in the tank for this evening. I had a bit of a slip on the start this morning, so it didn't exactly go to plan so I knew there was a lot in the tank going into tonight, and I think, I got everything perfect," McClements told BBC Sport NI.

"It means a lot. We don't get to represent Northern Ireland unless we're at the Commonwealth Games.

"So just, again, to put our wee country on the map, it's the biggest privilege there is, I think, in swimming."

The two-time Paralympian was a step higher on the podium than he was four years ago and was proud of what he’s been able to achieve.

"My career has just been like stepping stones. Last year there was a bit of a step back, but sometimes you need to go backwards to go forwards.

"But again, I said it four years ago in Birmingham, I still just feel like a normal lad from Newtownards, and I'm just chasing my dream."

The Commonwealth Games allows for para-swimming events to be incorporated into the swimming programme and both McClements and Firth - a six-time Paralympic champion - have medalled at the last two Games, proving inspirational to many people who have a disability that they can achieve anything.

"That's the main aim," added McClements.

"No matter what obstacles you face, like, no matter where you grow up, disability or not, dream big and don't stop chasing your dreams."

McClements will now turn his attention to preparing for what’s ahead and will hopefully include the Paralympics in Los Angeles in two years time.

"Yeah, LA is the aim. Not sure what will happen after that, but, you know, just keep stepping up every year into LA and just see how fast I can go there."

McClements also believes the future for Northern Ireland is bright.

This is his third Commonwealth Games and he sees the level of performance just continues to rise.

"I was at the Gold Coast eight years ago and every Commonwealth Games, the team just keeps getting bigger and better.

"You know, the next Commonwealth Games could be a really, really, really good one for Northern Ireland. It's such a young team as well, and it's only up from here for Northern Ireland.

"For such a small country, to have this many good swimmers. It's pretty insane."