LOCAL swimming star Grace Davison has received a welcome boost in her preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games with leading pharmaceutical company Sepha stepping in to support her journey over the next two years.
Covering the first half of the Olympic cycle, the sponsorship will provide Grace with essential support as she continues to train and compete at the highest level and work towards the goal of qualification for the Games in Los Angeles.
The Ards Swimming Club athlete (17) has already made waves on the international stage. Grace began swimming at the age of six, following in the footsteps of her sister Mia, an accomplished athlete who has represented Ireland in both swimming and rowing. Now training under the guidance of coach Curtis Coulter, himself a former international swimmer, Grace is regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s most promising young talents.
Her international career began in 2022 when, aged just 14, she represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics, the European Junior Championships and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. In 2023, she enjoyed a breakout season, winning gold in the 400m Individual Medley and silver in the 200m Individual Medley at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
The highlight of Grace’s career so far came last summer when she travelled to the Paris Olympics as the youngest member of the Irish swimming squad, having already helped set a new Irish Senior Record as part of the 4×100 Freestyle and Medley Relay teams.
Grace has continued her impressive form into 2025. At the Irish Open Swimming Championships in Dublin, she claimed gold in the 100m Freestyle and silver in the 200m Freestyle. She also held her own at the Mare Nostrum Tour in Canet, France, placing fourth in a competitive 200m Individual Medley field.
Looking ahead, she has a demanding schedule of international meets, including the Spanish National Championships in Palma, the European Junior Championships in Samorín (Slovakia), the 2025 World Championships in Singapore, and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which are all key steps on her path to LA 2028.
Expressing her gratitude for the partnership with the Dundonald-based firm, Grace said: “I’m so grateful to Sepha for their support over the next two years. Competing at this level wouldn’t be possible without sponsorship, and it allows me to fully commit to my training and take on the challenges ahead with confidence.
“I’m excited to represent Sepha and make the most of this incredible opportunity as I work toward LA 2028.”
Marketing Manager at Sepha, Gabine McKeegan, added: “Grace’s energy, ambition, and fearless attitude make her an inspiration to young athletes everywhere.
“Through this sponsorship, we hope to give her the resources she needs to focus on her training and competitions as she works toward her ultimate goal. We are incredibly proud to support her as she pushes toward new achievements on the world stage and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.”
