Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Cleveland State University

The Official Home of the Cleveland State University Vikings

Paddy Johnston Named to Ireland National Team for 2021-22

Paddy Johnston Named to Ireland National Team for 2021-22
Posted: Nov 23, 2021

Cleveland State University freshman, Paddy Johnston was one of the 35-athletes that will comprise Swim Ireland's National program for the 2021-22 session, the organization recently announced

With just under 1,000 days to go until the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Johnston will be part of the performance tier. The performance tier is for those with a primary focus on Paris 2024.

The Performance Team is headed up by National Performance Director for Swimming & Diving, Jon Rudd, with Rudd leading a six-person Performance Senior Leadership Team through the cycle.

Johnston's father, Davy Johnston is part of the leadership team and will get to continue coaching his son.

Johnston's father said, "Since the age of six, Paddy's dream was to one day represent Ireland on the International stage and now his chance has come. None of this would have been possible without the support of Ards Swimming Club, his one and only club in Ireland. Paddy has applied himself over the years, progressing through various performance groups in his club, ultimately becoming an international swimmer before departing for Cleveland State. Undoubtedly, Paddy is one of the most resilient and dedicated swimmers that I have coached. I would like to thank Coach Burandt and her fantastic team at Cleveland State for taking Paddy into their swimming family."

Head Coach Hannah Burandt said, "During the recruiting process, Paddy shared his goals and dream to come to America and represent Ireland Internationally. When I sent Paddy his official offer letter, I wrote in my email, "We are big dreamers here at CSU and we know that you are too…and we are going to make our dreams a reality TOGETHER." I shared with Paddy my goals for the program and he was completely bought in.

Burandt continued, "Being named to the Irish Performance Cohort is just one of the many signs of that dream becoming a reality. The future is bright for Paddy and for CSU swim and dive. We have our eyes locked in on our goals and it's not about if they happen, but when. And why not us?