Trinity Sport Scholar Gemma Whelan delivered an outstanding series of performances at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, completing 15 swims across six days and securing 7th place and a personal best in the 400m Individual Medley final.
Gemma's highlight came in the 400m Individual Medley where she not only reached the final but also clocked a significant personal best: “I was really happy with that result, especially as I dropped six seconds from the morning heats,” she said. “Some of the days were very challenging, as I had three races in one day with minimal rest, going straight into the call room after each swim.”
A particularly special moment for Gemma came when she was selected to carry the Irish flag at the opening ceremony. “I was honoured to carry the flag… it was incredible,” she said, noting that the occasion was made even more memorable by the attendance of the Emperor of Japan and his family. She also highlighted the unique atmosphere created by the use of International Sign Language throughout the Games, which she described as “inclusive and exciting.”
This year’s Deaflympics marked the 100th anniversary of the Games which was first held in Paris in 1924 as well as the first time the event has taken place in Japan. Tokyo welcomed more than 3,000 athletes from 79 countries with competitions spanning athletics, cycling, judo, tennis, football, volleyball, swimming and more. "Tokyo did an amazing job of hosting the Games," Gemma shared.
The calibre of competition was high, with many seasoned athletes, including Olympians and multi-Deaflympics competitors. “Being surrounded by such athletes made me realise I still have room to improve, and that this is just the start of my international journey,” Gemma reflected. “I’m very motivated to continue working hard to get faster and aim for higher placements in future competitions, including the next Deaflympics in Athens, Greece in 2029.”
Gemma’s participation also holds historic significance in her home county of Cork: she is Cork’s first Deaf female swimmer to compete in the Deaflympics, the seventh Irish female swimmer to take part, and only the 11th Deaflympian from Cork.
