Northern Ireland secure first Commonwealth Games medal as Bethany Firth earns bronze in the pool

A gold medallist four years ago in Birmingham, Firth took a break from competitive swimming and was delighted to make the podium for a second consecutive games.

“I’m so so proud seeing that flag go up,” she beamed.

"It means a lot to me just to stand up there...and to be on the podium four years later means a lot.”

Baby Charlotte was in mum’s arms joining in the celebrations and Firth thought it topped the occasion from 2022 in Birmingham.

“Four years ago I was a full-time athlete,” she explained.

"I wasn't a mum and coming back here trying to balance the two, it is tricky but, do you know what, I came here, I balanced the two and I came away with a medal so I couldn't be more happier.”

Making the sacrifices to get back in the pool has paid off for Firth.

She continued: “I’m not going to lie, it is very difficult and if it wasn't for my family I definitely couldn't do it, so I owe a lot to them.

"I think it's really eye opening, seeing the sport in a different light, do you know, as a mum and I think a lot more support needs to be put in place for mums to be able to come back.

"I hope just having my family here and making them proud and making them realise, do you know, it was worth it.

“I just want to show Charlotte that mummy never gave up, even when it was really tough mummy didn't give up.

“Coming back after having Charlotte definitely kept me in the sport longer and it definitely made me want it so much more.

"Two weeks ago I did set a world record in the event that I've been training really hard for and this is an event that I've struggled since coming back, so I'm going to give it a lot more focus and see what happens in the next few years.

“Charlotte will be two in August here, two weeks ago I broke a world record, I've come to the Commonwealth Games, I've got a bronze medal so honestly I couldn't ask for more.

“I hope she goes into school and she'll do show and tell and say ‘my mummy did this, my mummy did that’ and I just hope to make her proud.”

Winning a medal put the icing on the cake for Firth after she carried the baton for Team NI at the opening ceremony.

"I'm just so honoured to be part of Team Northern Ireland,” she smiled.

"All those swimmers out there are doing amazing, we have such a great and talented team and we're all so supportive."

Speaking about Firth’s medal success, Richard Archibald, Interim CEO, Sport NI said: “Huge congratulations to Bethany on her bronze medal for Team NI!

“Bethany is a true inspiration. Since returning to the sport following the birth of her daughter, Bethany has broken her own world record and now adds another Commonwealth Games medal to her collection.

“We are proud to support Bethany through our Sport NI Sports Institute and know just how much this medal means to her.

“We are sure her daughter Charlotte will be just as proud as we are!”