McClements 'got everything perfect' on way to silver medal

McClements won bronze in Birmingham four years ago [Getty Images]Para-swimmer Barry McClements claimed a Commonwealth Games silver medal in the men's S9 100m backstroke at Tollcross Swimming Centre.

>It's Northern Ireland's second medal of the Games in Glasgow after Bethany Firth took bronze on Saturday in the women's S14 100m freestyle.

>McClements, who won the bronze four years ago in the same event in Birmingham, pushed Australia's Timothy Hodge all the way to the touch, finishing in a time of 1:03.68, just 0.68 behind the Australian.

>"This morning it was about just being comfortable, leaving a bit in the tank for this evening. I had a bit of a slip on the start this morning, so it didn't exactly go to plan so I knew there was a lot in the tank going into tonight, and I think, I got everything perfect," McClements told BBC Sport NI.

>"It means a lot. We don't get to represent Northern Ireland unless we're at the Commonwealth Games.

>"So just, again, to put our wee country on the map, it's the biggest privilege there is, I think, in swimming."

>The two-time Paralympian was a step higher on the podium than he was four years ago and was proud of what he’s been able to achieve.

>"My career has just been like stepping stones. Last year there was a bit of a step back, but sometimes you need to go backwards to go forwards.

>"But again, I said it four years ago in Birmingham, I still just feel like a normal lad from Newtownards, and I'm just chasing my dream."

Daughter Charlotte inspires Firth to bronze medalThe Commonwealth Games allows for para-swimming events to be incorporated into the swimming programme and both McClements and Firth - a six-time Paralympic champion - have medalled at the last two Games, proving inspirational to many people who have a disability that they can achieve anything.

>"That's the main aim," added McClements.

>"No matter what obstacles you face, like, no matter where you grow up, disability or not, dream big and don't stop chasing your dreams."

>McClements will now turn his attention to preparing for what’s ahead and will hopefully include the Paralympics in Los Angeles in two years time.

>"Yeah, LA is the aim. Not sure what will happen after that, but, you know, just keep stepping up every year into LA and just see how fast I can go there."

>McClements also believes the future for Northern Ireland is bright.

>This is his third Commonwealth Games and he sees the level of performance just continues to rise.

>"I was at the Gold Coast eight years ago and every Commonwealth Games, the team just keeps getting bigger and better.

>"You know, the next Commonwealth Games could be a really, really, really good one for Northern Ireland. It's such a young team as well, and it's only up from here for Northern Ireland.

>"For such a small country, to have this many good swimmers. It's pretty insane."