Portlaoise student impresses at international swimming event

A LAOIS teenager put in an impressive performance while representing Ireland at a junior swimming competition in Lisbon last week.

Yifei Li, a second-year student at Portlaoise College, who recently won gold in the 400m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 200m individual medley at the Leinster Schools Swimming Championships, competed in the 50m, 200m and 400 freestyle events in Portugal.

Among a field of 115 swimmers, Yifei finished 27th in the 50m freestyle, making her the youngest competitor in the top 30. In the 100m freestyle, she placed 24th. Her most successful event, the 400m freestyle, saw her achieve a personal best by three seconds in the heats, securing a place in the B final. She went on to improve her time by a further five seconds in the final, finishing in second place.

Yifei is one of only ten girls selected for Ireland’s junior team. Her success in Lisbon comes as a result of a demanding training schedule, with her mother Shaoyong playing a key role in supporting her through early-morning sessions, some starting as early as 4am with a drive to the National Aquatic Centre.

Yifei is a member of the hugely successful Laois Marlins swim team and when not training in Dublin can be seen before dawn with her clubmates in Portlaoise Leisure Centre. Yifei is not only a champion swimmer but also represents Leinster in basketball and is a competitive Irish dancer.

Portlaoise College principal Noel Daly said: “Yifei’s dedication, hard work and determination are truly commendable. She is a credit to herself, her family and the school. We are extremely proud of her achievements.” With her recent performances, Yifei remains on track to qualify for the Junior Olympics, marking another significant milestone in her promising swimming career. Mr Daly presented Yifei with a gift from the school ahead of her journey to Lisbon.