Firth secures NI's first gold at Commonwealth Games

Para-swimmer Bethany Firth has won Northern Ireland's first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Credit: PA

Para-swimmer Bethany Firth has won Northern Ireland's first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

The Seaforde native clinched victory in the women's S14 200m freestyle final.

Firth clocked 2:07.02 to finish 1.54 seconds ahead of England's Jessica-Jane Applegate.

The six-time Paralympic champion secured an early lead ahead of Applegate, opening up a 1.61 second gap by the halfway stage.

Applegate managed to narrow the gap in the final 50m but it wasn't enough to overtake her Team GB teammate.

There was more joy for Northern Ireland as Daniel Wiffen took silver in the men's 1500m final, where England's Luke Turley was a bronze medallist, while England finished third in the women's 4x100 medley relay final.

Commonwealth Games 2022: Your daily update on what's happening in Birmingham

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.