McClements ‘got everything perfect’ on way to silver medal

McClements ‘got everything perfect’ on way to silver medalImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, McClements won bronze in Birmingham four years agoByNigel RinglandBBC Sport NI Senior Journalist in GlasgowPublished26 July 2026, 19:30 BSTUpdated 2 hours agoPara-swimmer Barry McClements claimed a Commonwealth Games silver medal in the men’s S9 100m backstroke at Tollcross Swimming Centre.It’s Northern Ireland’s second medal of the Games in Glasgow after Bethany Firth took bronze on Saturday in the women’s S14 100m freestyle.McClements, who won the bronze four years ago in the same event in Birmingham, pushed Australia’s Timothy Hodge all the way to the touch, finishing in a time of 1:03.68, just 0.68 behind the Australian.”This morning it was about just being comfortable, leaving a bit in the tank for this evening. I had a bit of a slip on the start this morning, so it didn’t exactly go to plan so I knew there was a lot in the tank going into tonight, and I think, I got everything perfect,” McClements told BBC Sport NI.”It means a lot. We don’t get to represent Northern Ireland unless we’re at the Commonwealth Games.”So just, again, to put our wee country on the map, it’s the biggest privilege there is, I think, in swimming.”The two-time Paralympian was a step higher on the podium than he was four years ago and was proud of what he’s been able to achieve.”My career has just been like stepping stones. Last year there was a bit of a step back, but sometimes you need to go backwards to go forwards. “But again, I reported it four years ago in Birmingham, I still just feel like a normal lad from Newtownards, and I’m just chasing my dream.”Daughter Charlotte inspires Firth to bronze medal