Bethany Firth on making pool return after becoming a mum
Rory McKee
SWIMMING star Bethany Firth has spoken honestly about how motherhood has given her a new outlook on her professional career.
In August, she and her husband Andrew welcomed their daughter Charlotte into the world. Multi Paralympic and World gold medallist Bethany recommenced training just eight weeks after the arrival of her first-born and is back working towards adding to her vast medal collection, but has revealed that being a mum has brought with it a much-changed mindset.
The Ards Swimming Club athlete, who also has two silver European medals and a Commonwealth Games gold to her name, told the Chronicle: “It’s definitely given me a new perspective.
“[Before becoming a mum], I had achieved everything that I could have wanted, so there was nothing left really other than just adding more numbers and more medals.
“During my pregnancy I was still in the water because it’s my happy place. I feel like I’m competing as a different person now, my body had changed and it was almost a case of rebuilding and learning all over again. I think there’s something enjoyable about that.”
Performing at the top level in addition to the responsibilities that come with motherhood isn’t a straight-forward balancing act, and the Seaforde woman says that she is grateful for the support of her family and friends.
“I have got a great support system around me,” she added. “I think women shouldn’t have to choose between whether they want to be a sportsperson or have a baby. Charlotte is my number one priority and then training comes second.
“Every month it feels like there is something new, but she’s doing well. I have had her in the water with me and she loves it, she’s a little water baby as well.”
Bethany will bid to qualify for the World Para Swimming Championships which are due to take place in Singapore later this year and is also excited about the chance to appear at her third Commonwealth Games in 2026.
For some time, there was a major risk that the Games might be postponed until 2027 or cancelled entirely after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts citing escalating cost projections.
But in September, it was announced that following talks the Scottish government would step in to host a scaled-down version of the event in Glasgow with financial backing from Commonwealth Games Australia.
Bethany has talked in the past about the value of the Commonwealth Games and is delighted that a solution for next summer’s edition has now been found.
“I was so glad when I heard that, it gave me a boost,” she said. “There is something special about all of the Northern Ireland athletes coming together to compete under one flag.”
