Barry McClements has always believed that stepping backward can actually move you forward. This week in Glasgow, that belief paid off in the most tangible way possible. The para-swimmer from Newtownards, Northern Ireland, climbed one step higher on the Commonwealth Games podium than he did four years ago, taking home silver in the men's S9 100 metre backstroke at Tollcross Swimming Centre. He finished in a time of 1 minute, 3.68 seconds, narrowly missing gold by just 0.68 seconds to Australia's Timothy Hodge.
For McClements, the race was a lesson in patience. He had held back during the morning heats, keeping energy in reserve for the final. "I had a bit of a slip on the start this morning, so I knew there was a lot in the tank going into tonight, and I think, I got everything perfect," he told BBC Sport NI. The strategy worked. Not only did he earn his spot on the podium, but he did it on his own terms.
This silver adds to what is becoming a strong legacy for Northern Ireland at these Games. Earlier in the week, Bethany Firth, a six-time Paralympic champion, won bronze in the women's S14 100 metre freestyle, giving Northern Ireland its first medal of the competition. McClements' performance means the small country has now claimed two medals in Glasgow.
But for McClements, the medal is only part of the story. A two-time Paralympian, he sees his athletic journey as a series of building blocks. "Last year there was a bit of a step back, but sometimes you need to go backwards to go forwards," he said. He is quick, too, to keep perspective. "I still just feel like a normal lad from Newtownards, and I'm just chasing my dream."
That message of possibility extends beyond himself. Para-swimming events have been part of the Commonwealth Games swimming programme for several cycles now, and both McClements and Firth have medalled at the last two Games. "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 said. "That's the main aim."
Looking ahead, McClements has Los Angeles on the horizon. The Paralympics there are two years away, and he plans to keep pushing his times higher. He also sees the future for Northern Ireland swimming as remarkably bright. "I was at the Gold Coast eight years ago and every Commonwealth Games, the team just keeps getting bigger and better," he said. "For such a small country, to have this many good swimmers. It's pretty insane."