At the Para swimming world championships in Singapore, two Canadian female athletes secured medals on Wednesday, while on the men’s side, national records were broken. Danielle Dorris claimed the silver in the women’s 100m backstroke S7 event, and Mary Jibb earned bronze in the 100 freestyle S9, marking her second medal at her debut worlds.
Reid Maxwell and Sebastian Massabie etched their names in the Canadian record book with outstanding performances. Canada has amassed a total of five medals, including one gold, one silver, and three bronze, as the competition draws to a close on Saturday.
Dorris clocked in at 1:23.10 seconds, securing the silver just one second behind gold medalist Veronika Korzhova of Ukraine at the OCBC Aquatic Centre. Dorris, 22, had earlier won her heat in 1:22.13, with her personal best standing at 1:21.91 from the 2021 Paralympics in Tokyo.
Dorris has consistently excelled in the 100 back event, securing podium finishes at the last three world championships. She expressed her joy at being on the podium again and her love for the 100 backstroke event. Looking ahead, Dorris aims to defend her world title in the 50 fly.
Jibb, 18, who hails from Bracebridge, Ont., clinched Canada’s first gold medal in Singapore and set a national and Americas record. She further impressed by setting the Canadian women’s record in the 100 butterfly S9 final. In her latest race, Jibb finished the women’s 100 freestyle final in 1:02.71, securing the bronze medal.
Jibb, who suffered a stroke at a young age, has shown resilience and determination in her swimming career. She will compete in three more individual races this week, starting with the 400 freestyle.
On the men’s side, Maxwell and Massabie also showcased their talent, with Maxwell setting a new Canadian record in the men’s 100 freestyle S8 event. Massabie, competing in his first world championships, impressed by breaking the S5 Canadian record in the 50 fly and 50 freestyle.
These remarkable performances by Canadian athletes highlight their dedication and skill on the international stage, with more races and opportunities for success on the horizon.
