Italy Dominates Para Swimming world Series, Setting the Stage for Paris 2024
Italian Paralympic Team Shines at Lignano Sabbiadoro, Clinching Top Spot in Medal Count
LIGNANO SABBIADORO, Italy – Italy’s Paralympic swimming team showcased its dominance at the seventh edition of the Para Swimming World Series, held in Lignano Sabbiadoro. The Italian team, featuring all 28 athletes set to compete in the Paris 2024 paralympic Games, secured first place in the medal standings with an extraordinary haul of 8 gold, 11 silver, and 9 bronze medals.
A Global Gathering of Elite Para Swimmers
The four-day event transformed the Friulian town into a hub for international para swimming, hosting over 300 athletes from 37 nations.Brazil finished second with 4 gold and 4 silver medals, while Great Britain claimed third place with 2 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
world and Continental Records Fall
The competition saw several athletes set new records, including:
- faye Rogers (Great Britain): World Record in the 200m butterfly S10 (2:22.77) and European Record in 100m butterfly S10 (1:05.46)
- Gabriel Kowalski (Poland): European Record in the 50m breaststroke SB7 (36.94)
- Dias Kenzhebek (Kazakhstan): Asian Record in the 50m backstroke S10 (30.37)
- Andrey Afanasyev (Kazakhstan): Asian Record in the 200m breaststroke SB12 (2:49.25)
- Lidia Vieira Da Cruz (Brazil): Americas Record in the 50m backstroke S4 (51.04)
- Gabriel Bandeira (Brazil): Americas Record in the 100m backstroke S14 (58.34)
Italian Winter championships showcase Rising Talent
Alongside the World Series, the Italian Winter National Championships took place, featuring 220 athletes from 67 Italian teams. The event witnessed the breaking of 33 Italian national records, along with 17 junior, 25 youth, and 7 novice records.
Polha Varese Tops Club Medal Standings
Polha Varese emerged as the top club with 34 gold, 15 silver, and 10 bronze medals. S.S. lazio Nuoto secured second place with 46 medals (18 gold, 18 silver, and 10 bronze), followed by Circolo Sportivo Guardia di Finanza with 20 medals (9 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze).
Individual Standout Performances
notable individual performances included:
- Gabriel Bandeira (Brazil): 100m backstroke S14 (58.34, 1031.00 points)
- Antonio Fantin (Italy): 400m freestyle S6 (4:52.50, 1023.00 points)
- Simone Barlaam (Italy): 100m freestyle S9 (53.88, 1019.00 points)
- Faye Rogers (Great Britain): 200m butterfly S10 (2:22.77, 1020.00 points)
- Arjola Trimi (Italy): 50m freestyle S2 (58.24, 1012.00 points)
- Yui Lam Chan (China): 100m butterfly S14 (1:04.96, 988 points)
**How do the “S” and “SB” classifications in para swimming contribute to fair competition and athlete inclusion?** This question delves into the importance of classification systems in Para sports.
Italy dominates para Swimming world Series, setting the Stage for Paris 2024
Italian Paralympic Team Shines at Lignano Sabbiadoro, Clinching Top Spot in Medal Count
LIGNANO SABBIADORO, Italy – Italy’s Paralympic swimming team showcased its dominance at the seventh edition of the Para Swimming World Series, held in Lignano Sabbiadoro. the Italian team, featuring all 28 athletes set to compete in the Paris 2024 paralympic Games, secured first place in the medal standings with an extraordinary haul of 8 gold, 11 silver, and 9 bronze medals.
A Global Gathering of Elite Para Swimmers
The four-day event transformed the Friulian town into a hub for international para swimming, hosting over 300 athletes from 37 nations.brazil finished second with 4 gold and 4 silver medals, while Great britain claimed third place with 2 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
World and Continental Records Fall
The competition saw several athletes set new records,including:
- Faye Rogers (Great Britain): World Record in the 200m butterfly S10 (2:22.77) and European Record in 100m butterfly S10 (1:05.46)
- Gabriel Kowalski (Poland): European Record in the 50m breaststroke SB7 (36.94)
- Dias Kenzhebek (kazakhstan): Asian Record in the 50m backstroke S10 (30.37)
- Andrey Afanasyev (Kazakhstan): Asian Record in the 200m breaststroke SB12 (2:49.25)
- Lidia Vieira Da Cruz (Brazil): Americas Record in the 50m backstroke S4 (51.04)
- Gabriel Bandeira (Brazil): Americas Record in the 100m backstroke S14 (58.34)
Italian Winter Championships Showcase Rising Talent
alongside the World Series, the Italian Winter National Championships took place, featuring 220 athletes from 67 Italian teams. The event witnessed the breaking of 33 italian national records, along with 17 junior, 25 youth, and 7 novice records.
Polha Varese Tops Club Medal Standings
Polha Varese emerged as the top club with 34 gold, 15 silver, and 10 bronze medals. S.S.Lazio Nuoto secured second place with 46 medals (18 gold, 18 silver, and 10 bronze), followed by Circolo Sportivo Guardia di Finanza with 20 medals (9 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze).
Individual Standout Performances
Notable individual performances included:
- Gabriel Bandeira (Brazil): 100m backstroke S14 (58.34, 1031.00 points)
- Antonio Fantin (Italy): 400m freestyle S6 (4:52.50, 1023.00 points)
- Simone Barlaam (Italy): 100m freestyle S9 (53.88, 1019.00 points)
- Faye Rogers (Great Britain): 200m butterfly S10 (2:22.77, 1020.00 points)
- Arjola Trimi (Italy): 50m freestyle S2 (58.24, 1012.00 points)
- Yui Lam Chan (China): 100m butterfly S14 (1:04.96,988 points)
Q&A: Diving Deeper into the Para Swimming World Series
What are the “S” and ”SB” classifications mentioned,and why are they vital?
The “S” and “SB” classifications in para swimming categorize athletes based on their functional ability. “S” refers to freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and individual medley events, while “SB” refers to breaststroke. These classifications, ranging from S1/SB1 (most severe impairment) to S10/SB9 (least severe), allow athletes to compete against others with similar levels of ability, ensuring fair competition. For example, the S14 classification is for athletes with intellectual impairments.
How significant is Italy’s performance at the Para Swimming World Series?
Italy’s dominant performance,especially with all their Paris 2024 team members competing,signals a strong potential for success at the upcoming Paralympic Games. their high medal count and individual standout performances, alongside the new records set, highlight the team’s readiness and talent. This sets a positive precedent for the games.
What are the key events to watch out for in the Paris 2024 Paralympics?
Based on this World Series, keep an eye on the performances of Italian athletes like Antonio Fantin (freestyle) and Simone Barlaam (freestyle), and international stars like Gabriel Bandeira (Brazil, backstroke) and Faye Rogers (great Britain, butterfly). World record holders are always exciting to watch, and the competition will be fierce.
Where can I learn more about Para Swimming and the Paralympic Games?
Check out the official websites of the International paralympic Committee (IPC) and the national Paralympic committees.These sites provide complete information on classifications, athletes, schedules, and results. Following para-athletes on social media can also provide you with a look into their training and lives.
What’s the takeaway from this event?
The Para Swimming World Series in Lignano Sabbiadoro was a showcase of exceptional athleticism, inspiring records, and a promising preview of what’s to come at the Paris 2024 paralympic Games.