Celebrating Fighting Blindness Ambassadors: Greta Streimikyte and Orla Comerford Represent Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

As the excitement builds for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris this August, we are thrilled to spotlight two remarkable athletes and dedicated ambassadors of Fighting Blindness: Greta Streimikyte and Orla Comerford. Their journey to the Paralympics is a testament to their hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment both on and off the track. Paralympics Ireland has brilliant profiles of both athletes here.

Orla Comerford: Sprinting Towards Success

Image of Orla Comerford — Orla Comerford, Fighting Blindness Ambassador and Paralympian

Paris will mark Orla Comerford’s third appearance at the Paralympic Games, a significant milestone in her impressive career. Orla’s journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. Last July, at the World Para-Athletics Championships, she secured the first female athletics slot for Ireland by finishing fourth in the 100m T13 final, narrowly missing the bronze medal by just 0.06 seconds.

Orla’s determination and progress are evident as she continues to set new personal bests. Most recently, she broke the 12-second barrier for the first time, clocking an impressive 11.90 seconds in the 100m final at the National Senior Track and Field Championships in June. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and her remarkable achievements make her a true inspiration to us all.

Greta Streimikyte: A Veteran with Vision

Greta Streimikyte, Steps for Sight Ambassador — Pictured: Greta Streimikyte, Fighting Blindness ambassador, 2021, pictured at Morton Stadium, Santry. Photo: Conor Ó Mearáin

Like her teammate Orla, Greta Streimikyte is also preparing for her third Paralympic Games. Greta made her Paralympic debut in Rio 2016 and has since become a veteran of the squad. Last July, she secured a female slot for Ireland at the World Para-Athletics Championships, demonstrating her consistent performance and elite athleticism.

Greta’s journey is characterised by her resilience and dedication. As she heads to Paris, we look forward to witnessing her exceptional talent and competitive spirit on the international stage once again.

Champions On and Off the Track

Pictured l-r: Finbarr Roche, Chief Executive Officer, Fighting Blindness, Orla Comerford, Paralympian and Fighting Blindness ambassador and Avril Daly, Chief Executive, Retina International pictured launching the Retina International World Congress, hosted by Fighting Blindness. Photo: Damien Eagers / Coalesce

Beyond their athletic prowess, both Orla and Greta are devoted ambassadors of Fighting Blindness. Their support for our cause has been instrumental in raising awareness and driving forward our mission to find cures and treatments for blindness and related conditions. Their dedication extends beyond the track as they champion an important cause, inspiring others with their commitment to making a difference.

Cheering Them On

Pictured: Greta Streimikytle, left, Paralympian and Fighting Blindness ambassador and Orla Comerford, Paralympian and Fighting Blindness ambassador at the launch of the Retina International World Congress, hosted by Fighting Blindness. Photo: Damien Eagers / Coalesce

As Orla Comerford and Greta Streimikyte prepare to represent Team Ireland in the Paralympics, we stand proudly behind them. Their achievements reflect their hard work, passion, and the spirit of true champions. We are honoured to have them as ambassadors and look forward to cheering them on every step of the way in Paris.

Best of luck, Orla and Greta – your Fighting Blindness family is with you all the way!