It has been a stunning week in the pool for Enniskillen swimming sensation Ellie McCartney as she picked up two golds and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games held in Trinidad and Tobago.

Carrying the banner of Northern Ireland, McCartney engaged in a thrilling showdown with England’s Sienna Robinson in the fiercely contested 200m Women’s Breaststroke final.

In a race alive with tension, Robinson held the lead as they neared the final turn, setting the stage for a gripping duel for supremacy.

Yet, in a display of sheer grit and determination, McCartney harnessed her competitive fire in the last 50 metres.

With laser focus and impeccable technique, she surged forward, eclipsing Robinson and claiming the prestigious gold with a remarkable time of 2:30.74 seconds.

This heart-pounding race spotlighted McCartney’s exceptional abilities and her poise under pressure. Her seamless blend of skill and mental fortitude propelled her past the formidable English contender, Sienna Robinson, who valiantly secured the silver.

This triumph not only adds a golden chapter to McCartney’s journey but also marks a milestone for the Northern Ireland contingent, securing their maiden gold medal at the Games.

And there was more to come from the Fermanagh star as she secured her second medal of the Games in a thrilling 100m Breaststroke on Tuesday.

The final was a very closely contested race and it remained that way right through to the finish.

In the end, it was Robinson who this time touched the wall first as she took gold in a time of 1:10.29 mins with Ellie coming home third in a time of 1:10.46 mins just behind Wales’ Theadora Taylor.

McCartney though was back on top of the podium as she took gold in the 200m IM with a barnstorming swim.

Ellie swam away from the field during the Breaststroke leg and she pulled further away to seal the gold medal in the Freestyle to finish in a time of 2:15.65mins, heading home a Northern Ireland one-two with Grace Davison picking up silver.

McCartney - who represents Ards Swimming Club - also reached the final of the 50m Breaststroke event where she finished seventh.

The Games, originally intended for Belfast in 2021, have proven a fertile ground for this young swimming dynamo, who continues to dazzle with her exceptional performances.

Lauding McCartney’s remarkable achievements, Kevin Anderson, National Centre Ulster Head Coach, commended her professional evolution, remarking: “Ellie is truly transforming into a professional.

“Bagging a medal at European Juniors and then seamlessly transitioning to rigorous preparation and a triumphant win at the Commonwealth Youth Games just weeks later is an exceptional feat. She is destined for a brilliant future.”

In the midst of a challenging environment, the team’s resilience and fortitude shone brightly. Andrew Reid, Team Leader, highlighted the team’s accomplishments:

“The team excelled despite the challenging circumstances, achieving a remarkable 40 per cent of lifetime bests on the first day of the competition.

“Celebrating medals is wonderful, but witnessing the team enjoy the process and approach their preparations with utmost professionalism is equally heartening.”