Two golds and two bronze medals for Belfast gymnast Kirsty Devlin

BELFAST gymnast Kirsty Devlin has won two golds and two silver medals at the the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

She secured gold in the Ribbon and Rope events with silver coming in the Ball and All Round categories.

The games are being held in Los Angeles, USA.

Devlin, who trains with SALTO Gymnastics Club in Lisburn, won Ireland’s first gold medal at the Games.

Her delighted mum Elizabeth said: “I’m so proud – the tears are in my eyes watching Kirsty. She’s just amazing.

“The whole family is so proud of her. There are four of us out here in LA supporting Kirsty – myself, my brother and his wife and my son,” added her mother Elizabeth.

“She’ll be a celebrity when she gets home – everyone will shake her hand and congratulate her. They all love her back in Belfast – everyone loves her.”

Lurgan swimmer Sarah Jane Johnston won two bronze medals.

Ireland’s medal tally has now hit 15 so far in the competition.

Shaun Cassidy, regional director of Special Olympics Ulster, also praised Devlin’s performances at the Collins Court Wooden Centre in UCLA.

He said: “Our congratulations go to all of the athletes and particularly Ulster’s Kirsty Devlin, who won the first gold medal for Team Ireland and four medals in total, which is a sensational achievement.”

Devlin also finished fourth in the Hoop while Peter Malynn of Mulligar won Ireland’s third gold in the Bocce singles.

LA Galaxy and Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane cheered on Ireland’s 11-a-side team against Bangladesh in their opening game, which they lost 4-1.