Bethany Firth won Team NI’s first medal of the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and then dedicated it to her daughter Charlotte.
Firth had taken time away from international competition before returning with a world record swim in S14 backstroke and in the pool at Tollcross added a Commonwealth bronze in the S14 200m freestyle to the gold she won four years ago in Birmingham.
The six time Paralympic gold medallist admitted it has been tough balancing being a full-time mother and training to represent her country since Charlotte came along in 2024.
“I’m not going to lie, it is very difficult and if it wasn’t for my family I definitely couldn’t do it so I owe a lot to them. It’s really eye opening seeing the sport in a different light as a mum and I think a lot more support needs to be put in place for mums to be able to come back,” said Firth.
“I hope just having my family here I’m making them proud I’m making them realise it was worth it. I just want to show Charlotte that mummy never gave up, even when it was really tough mummy didn’t give up.
“Coming back after having Charlotte definitely kept me in the sport longer and it definitely made me want it so much more. Two weeks ago I did set a world record in the event that I’ve been training really hard for and this is an event that I’ve struggled in since coming back, so I’m going to give it a lot more focus and see what happens in the next few years.
“Charlotte will be two in August, two weeks ago I broke a world record, I’ve come to the Commonwealth Games, I’ve got a bronze medal so honestly I couldn’t ask for more.
“I hope she goes into school and she’ll do show and tell and say my mummy did this, (2:02) my mummy did that and I just hope to make her proud.”
Winning a medal topped of the prefect couple of days for Firth after she was the baton bearer for Team NI at the opening ceremony in the Hydro on Thursday night.
“I’m so, so proud. Seeing that flag go up means a lot to me and, just to stand up there and be on the podium four years later means a lot,” enthused Firth.
In a special moment baby Charlotte was in mum’s arms joining in the celebrations and Firth thought it topped the occasion.
“Four years ago I was a full-time athlete, I wasn’t a mum and coming back here trying to balance the two it is tricky, but I came here, I balanced the two and I’ve come away with a medal so I couldn’t be more happier,” said Firth.
“I’m just so honoured to be part of Team Northern Ireland, all those swimmers out there are doing amazing. We have such a great and talented team and we’re all so supportive. All those girls were cheering me on and honestly, I couldn’t do it without all of them.”
