THE BIG READ: The young Offaly Paralympian who represented Ireland at three Olympic Games

Nicole Turner has achieved more in her 22 years than most do in a lifetime.

The pocket rocket, from Garryhinch, near Portarlington, represented her country in international competitive swimming including three Olympics Games, in an extraordinary career.

In 2024 she announced her retirement, bringing an exciting chapter in her young life to a close.
A Paralympic silver medallist and multiple-time international medallist, she left the sport as one of Ireland's most celebrated athletes.

In April of last year, Nicole was presented with the prestigious Offaly Person of the Year Award 2024 at a glittering reception in the Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore.

The award – presented by the Offaly Association (Dublin) – recognised her enormous contribution to swimming and sport in general and to her native Offaly.

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Presenting the prestigious accolade to her, Liam Fleury, chairman of the Offaly Person of the Year organising committee said: "Nicole's great success is inspirational to us all. She showed great determination in her efforts to be a success and I want to wish her well for the future."

Accepting the honour, Nicole said "I have had a wonderful career in swimming and thank everyone who has helped me in any way.

"I was always proud to represent my county and my country and I will always remember the commitment my family gave to me."

Growing up on the Laois/ Offaly border, she initially took up swimming to follow in the footsteps of her two older brothers, but her exceptional talent quickly became evident.

Encouraged by her family and coaches, who recognised her potential, she pursued the sport more seriously.

Nicole grew up just outside Portarlington, with parents Bernie and Jason, and brothers Daniel and Ciaran.

"My parents and my brothers have always given me great support and wonderful encouragement. I also want to thank everyone who has helped me to achieve what I achieved over the years," outlined Nicole.

The 22-year-old was educated locally at Cloneyhurke National School and Colaiste Iosagain in nearby Portarlington.
Taking up swimming at the tender age of five she got her first taste of success when she won eight medals in 2009, aged just seven, at the World Games in Belfast.

Her career began with Portarlington Piranhas before moving to Laois Marlins in Portlaoise. She then trained with Ireland’s top swimmers at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin starting in 2017.
In 2015, she made her senior international debut at the British Internationals, winning a silver medal in the youth category. She followed this with six finals and personal bests at that year’s World Championships in Glasgow.
Nicole represented Ireland at the 2016 IPC Swimming European Open Championships, where she swam in six finals, bringing home silver in both the 200m Individual Medley and the 100m Breaststroke, as well as a bronze in the 50m Butterfly. She also set nine new PB times.
At just 14 years old, the Garryhinch girl made her Paralympic debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. The Offaly Person of the Year 2024 competed in five events, qualifying for the final in each one, and set personal bests in six out of her ten races. Her best finish was fifth in the 50m Butterfly.

She had the honour of serving as the flagbearer for Team Ireland during the Rio Paralympics' closing ceremony.
She shone at the 2018 European Championships in Dublin, winning silver in the 50m Butterfly. In 2019, she won bronze in the 50m Butterfly at the World Championships in London.

Following her brilliant performances that year, the 2024 Offaly Person of the Year was nominated for both the RTÉ Sport Awards 2019 Sportsperson of the Year Award and the Young Sportsperson of the Year award.
At the 2021 European Championships in Madeira, Nicole won medals in all four of her events: silver in the 50m Butterfly and 100m Breaststroke, and bronze in the 50m Freestyle and 200m Individual Medley.
Nicole competed in her second Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2021, which had been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenges posed by the global situation, she delivered stellar performances, culminating in the crowning moment of her career – winning a silver medal in the S6 50m Butterfly final with a time of 36.30 seconds.

"Winning in Tokyo was very special for me and I do not regret any of the sacrifices I had to make during my swimming career because I always wanted to succeed," outlined Nicole.
Competing against world-class athletes, including her Chinese rival Yuyan Jiang, who set a world record in their heat, she demonstrated exceptional skill and determination to claim her spot on the podium. Her silver medal cemented her status as one of the top Paralympic swimmers in the world.
The 2024 Offaly Person of the Year was a key member of the Irish team at the 2023 Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester. At the 2024 Para Swimming European Championships in Madeira, she won four medals: one gold, one silver, and two bronze.
At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, marking her third and final appearance, Nicole competed in two events. She advanced to the final of the S6 50m Freestyle, finishing 6th with a time of 35.65 seconds and she also finished 6th in the S6 50m Butterfly final.

While Nicole did not secure a podium finish, her performances reflected her continued dedication to her sport and her status as one of the top para-swimmers on the global stage.

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Speaking about her retirement announcement in 2024, Paralympics Ireland CEO Stephen McNamara said: “Nicole has been an extraordinary ambassador for Irish para-sport since her international debut in 2015. Competing at one Paralympic Games is a massive achievement, but to compete at three, in addition to multiple World and European Championships, speaks to her longevity and commitment as a high-performance athlete.

"Her contribution to Irish sport and her exceptional performances will leave a lasting legacy. While we will miss seeing her compete, we congratulate her on everything she has accomplished throughout her career and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life.”

Retiring at the tender age of 22 in late2024, Nicole had inspiring words of advice for young swimmers and athletes:" I think, listen to the people around you and do take any advice you can get. Back when I was younger and training hard so many days a week, I didn't really see why I was doing it. It was only my coaches and family and friends that were saying this is all going to pay off one day. Also, if it was easy everyone would do it so you really have to back your own self belief and go for it if you want it."

And now as a new chapter opens in her life, we can be sure Nicole Turner will make her mark in her chosen field of endeavour, sporting or otherwise.