Ballymoe para-cyclist, Richael Timothy, made an impressive debut at the Tokyo Paralympic Games on Wednesday morning (yesterday) as she recorded a personal best time at Izu Velodrome while narrowly missing out on a place in the C1-3 3,000m Individual Pursuit Final.
Richael knocked 14 seconds off her previous best in clocking 4:11.69 and finished in ninth place, just outside the top eight qualification spots.
She returns to the velodrome tomorrow (Friday) for the C1-3 500m Time Trial and she will also be competing in the Women’s Time Trial on Tuesday next (31st) as well as the Road Race on Friday, September 3rd.
Speaking after the event, Richael reiterated her aim in Tokyo was to set personal bests.
“I’m delighted. I came here to go as fast as I can and I’ve gone faster than ever gone before and that’s really all I can do. I’m delighted to get the first race over and it’s an unbelievable experience.
“I was just my goal to try get a personal best in the first event and then push on for everything else. I know I can do better than what I’ve done before,” she said.
Commenting on the support she has received back home, Richael said: “It’s been unbelievable. It’s just crazy. I’m hearing from back home about all the good luck wishes. I’m just happy to represent them and to get here after the last four or five years is just brilliant so I’m delighted”.
