A 15th Para-swimming World Medal for Aurélie Rivard

True to form, Aurélie Rivard got off to a strong start at the World Championships by climbing to the top step of the podium in the 50m freestyle (S10). The world record holder at this distance opened the machine mid -race to overtake his pursuers and win gold.

I’m glad the ice broke. This is my first major race since the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, so I’m not sure what to expect in the pool. It was a very difficult year and I was still able to defend my world title (won in 2019)Rivard was overjoyed.

Colombian Maria Paula Barrera Zapata came 0.58 seconds behind Rivard, while the 3rd step of the podium was occupied by Australian Jasmine Greenwood (+0.72 s). Arianna Hunsicker finished 6th in this final, 1.72s behind Rivard.

The winner of 10 Paralympic medals will return to action on Tuesday in the 400m freestyle event.

James Leroux was the first Canadian to reach the podium when he took 3rd place in the 100m breaststroke (SB9), 3.43s behind the winner.

I went here to make a podium and I got it. I’m not necessarily happy with the time, but I’ll take it, this podium. I try to get the most medals in the worlds and then the next step is to get some of the Games. [paralympiques]he said in an interview with the Canadian Paralympic Committee after his medal.

Italian Stefano Raimondi and German Maurice Wetekam (+2.41s) were the only two swimmers faster than Leroux in the final. Quebecer also outscored Raimondi by just over a second in their qualifying heat earlier in the day.

Two Quebec women on the podium in the 200m medley

The Canadians rushed to the final of the 200m medley (SM7), with three maple leaf representatives in the top 5. Among them, Tess Routliffe (+5.47 s) and Camille Bérubé (+10, 12 s) climbed the podium last 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

These medals are even more special for Routliffe, who has just returned from injury, and for Bérubé, who will retire after the Commonwealth Games in early August.

“I am so grateful for this medal. We’ve worked hard all year, I have about 800 people to thank, people who have been there for me over the past few months to help and encourage me. I’m very happy, ”said Routliffe.

“It’s so exciting to win the first medal at the World Championships, I know there’s a possibility. I am happy with my race, time is a bit slow, but the important thing is that I am ahead of other women, ”added Bérubé.

Danielle Dorris of New Brunswick scored 5^e ranked in the final (+11.54 s), while gold went to American Julia Gaffney.

For his part, Philippe Vachon finished 5th in the 400m freestyle final (SB8) 21.40s behind the winner, Italian Alberto Amodeo.

Alexander Elliot (S10), for his part, finished 6th in the 50m freestyle final (2.16s).

Finally, Clémence Paré saw his working day come to an end in qualifying for the 50m freestyle (S5), failing to make it to the final.

Also note Saskatchewan’s Shelby Newkirk gold medal in the 100m backstroke (S6) with a time of 1: 20.96 and Nicholas Bennett’s silver medal in the 200m freestyle (S14) in 1: 54.41.

The Para-swimming World Championships will continue on Monday as Felix Cowan, Sabrina Duchesne, Alexander Elliot, Arianna Hunsicker and Clémence Paré will be Quebecers in action in Madeira.