Ulster Unionist sports spokesperson Robin Swann has congratulated Northern Ireland swimmer Bethany Firth on her gold medal success in the 100 metres backstroke final at the London Paralympics,
The North Antrim MLA said:
"Bethany's gold medal is a fitting reward for three years of hard work and dedication, and when one considers the daily 4am starts required by her training regime and the fact she has been battling to overcome a shoulder injury, it makes her achievement even more remarkable.
The Paralympics are pro-longing the feel-good factor generated by the Olympics, and Bethany's success adds to the medals won by Coleraine's rowers and Belfast's boxers a few weeks ago.
The people of Bethany's home town of Seaforde will be particularly proud of her but the whole of Northern Ireland is delighted at her success.
I would like to congratulate Bethany and send best wishes to all the Northern Ireland athletes competing in the Paralympics as part of London 2012. We are proud of them all"