Last summer TeamNI ventured to Trinidad and Tobago for the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. Held from August 4th to the 11th, this event provided a platform for budding athletes to hone their skills and gain invaluable experience on the international stage. The team was made up of 15 eager young athletes and 11 dedicated support staff.
Competing across a spectrum of sports including Athletics, Aquatics, Triathlon, and Cycling, TeamNI showcased their prowess and determination. And their efforts did not go unrewarded. Amidst the energy of the games, two sports emerged as beacons of success for TeamNI: Aquatics and Cycling.
In the Aquatics arena, TeamNI dazzled with stellar performances. Ellie McCartney, achieved gold medals in both the 200m Breaststroke and the 200m Individual Medley. As well as securing a bronze in the 100m Breaststroke. Grace Davison, another standout performer, achieved Gold in the 400m Individual Medley and added a silver in the 200m Individual Medley to her tally. Brandon Biss rounded off the Aquatics triumph with a commendable silver in the 100m Backstroke and a bronze in the 200m Backstroke, solidifying TeamNI’s dominance in the pool.
Meanwhile, in Cycling, Oisin Ferrity demonstrated great determination in the Road Race. With unwavering focus and grit, he crossed the finish line with a gold medal.
The collective achievements of TeamNI positioned them at 8th overall on the medal table. Their haul of four gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals not only underscored their individual talents but also highlighted the depth of talent within Northern Ireland’s Youth sporting landscape.
