AQUATICS: Don't tell Ann McCormack that second place is for losers. As her name is announced, the Westport swimmer jumps so high in the air she almost comes off the podium and lands in the arms of official prize-giver Morris Redmond.
A director of Special Olympics Ireland, Redmond pulls away from the embrace blushing, minus a silver medal and plus perhaps the wettest kiss seen at Abbotstown this week - thanks in part to a torrential downpour at the outdoor prize-giving area.
"I'm thrilled," cries McCormack, who swam her fastest time ever to claim the prize, breaking 30 seconds for the 25 metres freestyle. "Thank you for this," she says, turning to her sister, Mary Clare. Then, the medallist proceeds - in what has now become Special Olympics convention - to list off all the nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends who played a part in her success.
"Where's Trevor?" She seeks out her coach, Trevor Devlin, in the crowd. "I must say he has been wonderful." In the space of a few moments, McCormack has made two men blush, and she quickly adds a third as she gives The Irish Times a hug. Why? Just for being there, it seems.
Moments like this are unforgettable. Just ask Sean Dunne, father of Laura Jane, who won gold on Monday. Four days later, he is still buzzing. "It's like winning the Lotto. Watching her, I had butterflies in my stomach."
His daughter's designated "taxi service", Dunne is also a volunteer at the Games, and could be found yesterday manning a desk in one of the hospitality areas. Luckily, he says, his work colleagues are very understanding. "They don't give out every time I have to slip out to see her race."
Early yesterday, he had to take another break as Laura Jane competed in the preliminaries of the 4X50m freestyle relay, finishing second in her heat. The team race in the final today, and win or lose, says Dunne, it will be another great occasion. "The kids want their medals but I'm as excited when they come in fourth as when they win."
Sharing that sentiment were hundreds of spectators in the National Aquatic Centre who cheered home every swimmer, from Canadian Blair Desjardins who blazed down the pool in 14.03 seconds to Jody Ann Cambra of Team USA South West who took almost eight times as long. Both won golds, and deservedly so. As did Uganda's Evert Van Acer (10), the youngest swimmer at the Games, who - standing tall - just about reached the hips of his nearest competitor.
Then, there was Kildare's John Paul Sherry, favourite to win his final with the fastest heat time of Division 20. He finished fifth, got out of the pool and embraced his team-mate Grant Wilson. The two proudly waved to the crowd.Losers? There's no such thing at these Games.
