Watch: Celebrations in Paris for Mona McSharry's parents
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Mona’s cousins said she is an inspiration to people their age and anyone across Ireland and the world.
This is one of the many accolades the swimmer has but it is probably the one that is "really special" to her because the Olympics was always her dream, according to her uncle John McSharry.
"What’s really special about Mona has achieved is that she started swimming in a 25m pool and in that time maybe over ten or 12 years she managed to become the European Junior Champion and the World Junior Champion out of a 25m pool, so it’s just astonishing what she’s achieved.
"I think she has gut determination and resilience and I’m very, very proud of everything she’s achieved, so well done Mona," he said.
Meanwhile around 30 kilometres away in Ballyshannon, where Mona used to train with Marlins Swimming Club, members watched the race at the Aodh Ruadh GAA club.
There was a party atmosphere with live music and children cheering her name with pompoms long after the race was over.
Marlins treasurer Karen Summerville conveyed how thrilled everyone was for Mona.
"As somebody said earlier it’s like winning the Lotto and to think that we have an Olympic medalist from our little pond here in Ballyshannon.
"It’s just incredible and it has taken years of sacrifice. We’re so privileged here in Marlin's to have been on that journey with her," Ms Summerville said.
Mona McSharry's fellow Grange native Chris O'Donnell is also taking part in the Games in Paris.
The sprinter already tasted success this year when he was part of the Irish mixed 4x400m relay team that won gold at the European Championships in May, where he ran the opening leg.
The small village of Grange has a population of around 700 to 800 people.
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