Bethany Firth

Bethany Firth, OBE, is a Northern Irish para swimmer, born on 14 February 1996 in Seaforde, Northern Ireland. She competes in the S14 category, designated for athletes with intellectual impairments. Starting her swimming career at Ards Swimming Club, Firth quickly progressed and made her international debut representing Ireland. At the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, she won gold in the 100m backstroke, marking a strong start in her career.

In late 2013, Firth switched representation to Great Britain, citing the opportunity to compete alongside other British athletes in the S14 category. Since the change, she has achieved significant success, including multiple gold medals across the Paralympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships. Competing in events such as the 100m backstroke, 200m freestyle, and 100m breaststroke, she has broken numerous world records. At the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Firth emerged as Great Britain’s top Paralympian with three gold medals in the 100m backstroke, 200m freestyle, and 200m medley, along with a silver in the 100m breaststroke.

Firth continued her success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she defended her backstroke title and won gold in the mixed 4 x 100m freestyle relay S14. She also earned silver medals in the 200m freestyle and 200m medley. In addition, Firth has consistently medalled in the World Para Swimming Championships, including recent wins at the 2023 championships in Manchester.

She has received recognition for her contributions to para-swimming, including an MBE in 2017 and an OBE in 2022. Firth remains an active competitor, representing Great Britain, and continues to train with Ards Swimming Club. Her career reflects a decade of dedication and resilience in para-swimming, securing her place as one of Britain’s most successful Paralympic athletes.

Bethany Firth, OBE, is a Northern Irish Paralympic swimmer who competes in the S14 category, meant for athletes with intellectual impairments. She was born on 14 February 1996 in Seaforde, Northern Ireland, and began her swimming career at Ards Swimming Club. In 2012, she represented Ireland at the London Paralympic Games, where she won a gold medal in the 100m backstroke. This success marked her as one of the top athletes in para-swimming.

In 2013, Firth decided to switch representation to Great Britain, allowing her to compete alongside other S14 British swimmers. Since then, she has achieved remarkable results, earning multiple medals at the Paralympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships. In the 2016 Rio Paralympics, she won three gold medals in the 100m backstroke, 200m freestyle, and 200m medley, plus a silver in the 100m breaststroke. This achievement made her Great Britain’s most decorated Paralympian at those Games.

In the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, Firth defended her 100m backstroke title and won gold in the mixed 4 x 100m freestyle relay S14. She also earned two silver medals in the 200m freestyle and 200m medley. Firth’s performance at the international level continued with the 2023 World Championships in Manchester, where she claimed gold in the 100m backstroke and 200m medley, a silver in the 200m freestyle, and a bronze in the 100m butterfly.

Her career achievements have been recognised with an MBE in 2017 and an OBE in 2022 for her contributions to swimming. Firth remains an active competitor for Great Britain and continues to train with Ards Swimming Club. Her dedication has established her as one of Britain’s leading Paralympic athletes.

• Early Success for Ireland: Bethany Firth made her Paralympic debut for Ireland in 2012, winning her first gold medal in the 100m backstroke S14 at the London Paralympics. This achievement marked her as a promising talent in international swimming.
• Switch to Team GB: In 2013, Firth decided to switch to compete for Great Britain, as it offered her the chance to train with other S14 classified swimmers. She completed a required waiting period before fully joining Team GB.
• World Championship Medals: Representing Great Britain, Firth won multiple medals at the IPC World Championships, showcasing her skill across various events and setting world records in the process.
• Record-breaking Rio 2016 Performance: At the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, Firth won three gold medals (100m backstroke, 200m freestyle, and 200m medley) and one silver, becoming Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian at the Games.
• Continued Success at Tokyo 2020: Competing at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, Firth defended her 100m backstroke S14 title and won a gold in the mixed 4 x 100m freestyle relay S14. She also earned two silver medals, solidifying her reputation as a top competitor on the international stage.
• Honours and Recognition: Firth has been honoured with an MBE and later an OBE for her contributions to swimming, recognising her dedication and achievements in international para-swimming.

• Focus on Technique: Bethany Firth is known for her strong swimming technique, which helps her maintain speed and efficiency in the water. Her focus on form allows her to compete at the highest level.
• Consistency and Control: Firth’s strength lies in her ability to swim consistently and control her strokes. This gives her an edge, especially in backstroke and freestyle events, where timing and balance are crucial.
• Adaptability: Due to her classification, Firth competes in the S14 category, which includes swimmers with intellectual impairments. She adapts her training to work with her short-term memory challenges, relying on repetition and guidance to refine her skills.
• Mental Toughness: Firth demonstrates a calm and focused approach to races, allowing her to handle high-pressure events smoothly. Her determination to succeed has been a key factor in her international achievements.
• Relentless Practice: Known for her dedication, Firth trains rigorously to improve her speed and strength. Her commitment to practice and repetition has helped her reach her best performance levels in major competitions.

• Family: Bethany Firth was born in Seaforde, Northern Ireland, and is the youngest of three children. Her father, Peter, is a teacher and former church minister, and her mother, Lindsey, is a nurse practitioner.
• Faith: Firth is a Christian and is a member of the Christian Fellowship Church. Her faith has been a strong support in her personal and professional life.
• Education: She attended Longstone School in Dundonald, Northern Ireland.
• Disability: Firth has an intellectual impairment that affects her short-term memory, which places her in the S14 classification for swimming.
• Mental Health Advocacy: She has spoken openly about her experiences with mental health challenges. Using her public platform, she advocates for greater awareness and support for mental health issues.
• Philanthropy: Firth is actively involved in charity work, especially in causes related to disability awareness and mental health support.
• Hobbies and Interests: Outside of swimming, Firth enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in church activities, which provide her with a sense of community and balance.

• Inspiration for Young Athletes: Bethany Firth has become an inspirational figure for young athletes, especially those with intellectual impairments. Her achievements show that determination and hard work can lead to success, no matter the challenges.
• Role Model in Para Swimming: Firth’s success has raised awareness for para-swimming, encouraging greater participation and support for athletes with disabilities. She has become a role model for aspiring swimmers around the world.
• Record-Breaking Achievements: With multiple Paralympic gold medals and world records, Firth’s career is one of the most successful in British para-swimming history. Her record-breaking performances set a high standard in the sport.
• Respected Internationally: Competing for both Ireland and Great Britain, Firth has earned respect globally. Her talent, discipline, and sportsmanship have made her a widely admired figure in international swimming.
• Recognition and Awards: Firth’s contributions to swimming have been recognised with honours such as the MBE and OBE. These awards highlight her impact on the sport and her dedication to representing Great Britain.

Bethany Firth has received numerous awards for her achievements in para-swimming. She was honoured with an MBE in 2017 and later promoted to OBE in 2022 for her contributions to sport. Firth has won 6 times Paralympic gold medals, becoming Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian in Rio 2016. She has also set world records and earned medals at the World and European Championships, reinforcing her status as one of the top athletes in para-swimming. Her accomplishments have made her a highly respected figure in British and international swimming.

• Bethany Firth| Wikipedia
• Bethany Firth Obe (@bethany_firth)| Instagram 
• Bethany Firth| Paralympic.org
• ParalympicsGB | Bethany firth| ParalympicsGB
• Bethany Firth Para-Swimmer| Aquatics GB
• Bethany Firth Obe (@bethany_firth)| Instagram
• Bethany Firth OBE (@BethanyFirth2) | X · BethanyFirth2
• Bethany Firth| Mary Peters Trust
• Fighting Forgetfulness: Bethany Firth's Inspiring Journey in | virtus.sport