Canadian Para swimmers continued their impressive performance in Singapore on Thursday, securing medals and breaking records at the World Para Swimming Championships. Danielle Dorris, who had already claimed a silver in the women’s 100m backstroke S7, set a new championship record in the 50 butterfly S7 with a time of 33.93 seconds. This achievement added to her previous world record of 32.99 set in 2021. Dorris joined the ranks of Aurélie Rivard and Benoît Huot as one of the few Canadian Para swimmers to win three consecutive world titles in the same event.
Expressing her excitement, Dorris mentioned, “Being on par with athletes like Aurélie and Benoît is incredible. I first met them when I was 13 at my first Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016, and now, nine years later, I am still competing. It’s amazing.” Rivard, a six-time Paralympic champion, and Huot, a four-time consecutive winner, have been dominant in their respective events but are currently focusing on other endeavors.
In a closely contested race, Mallory Weggemann of the United States secured the silver medal in the 50m butterfly S7, finishing just behind Dorris. Colombia’s Sara Vargas Blanco claimed the bronze. Dorris acknowledged the tough competition from Weggemann and the pressure she felt during the race.
Meanwhile, Katie Cosgriffe of Canada achieved a bronze medal in the women’s 100 fly S10, breaking a six-year-old Americas record. Cosgriffe, who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological disorder, expressed her delight at surpassing the record and focusing on her performance rather than the medal.
On the men’s side, Nick Bennett clinched a bronze in the 200 IM S14, earning his second medal of the week. Although he was pleased with his performance, Bennett expressed disappointment at seeing his world record broken. Despite this setback, he remains focused on his preparations for the upcoming Paralympic Games.
Canada currently holds eight medals at the World Para Swimming Championships, with notable performances from various athletes across different events. The team’s overall success places them 15th among 33 participating countries. The competition continues to showcase the talent and determination of Para swimmers on the international stage.