The 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championships in Bangkok will forever be remembered as a landmark moment in sport. Over the course of seven extraordinary days, the world witnessed absolute elite performances from athletes with an intellectual impairment and/with autism, proving once again that talent knows no boundaries.

A total of 250 athletes from 31 countries competed at Assumption University’s Aquatic Centre, rewriting history with every race. By the close of the championships, an astonishing 63 World Records had fallen — including three World Para Swimming Records.

The II3 competition class, for athletes with autism, delivered the highest number of records, underlining the incredible talent, determination, and competitive spirit within the category.

Day 5: Records Fall, Drama Unfolds

Day 5 was nothing short of spectacular. France’s Axel Parisot claimed yet another Virtus World Record, storming the II3 Men’s 800m Freestyle in 8:41.62 sec.

The Women’s 800m Freestyle produced high drama: Australia’s Amie Holwill set a record in heat 1 (9:45.45 sec), only for teammate Kate Wallington to eclipse it in heat 2 with 9:26.53 sec.

Two World Record Breakers, Minke (centre athlete in left photo) and Ella Hoye (centre athlete from right photo) from Bangkok2025

Japan’s Ayako Morishita continued her brilliant run, taking her second and third World Records in the II2 Women’s 800m Freestyle (12:50.41 sec) and the II2 100m Butterfly (1:29.03 sec).

Relays brought both excitement and emotion. Australia powered to victory with a World Record in the II3 Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay (4:30.33 sec).

In one of the most dramatic moments of the championships, the Japanese II2 Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay team touched first in record time (5:58.14 sec), only to face disqualification. Hours later, after a tense appeal, the team was reinstated — their joy uncontainable as they were crowned World Record holders.

Elsewhere, Denmark’s Marius Danielsen etched his name into the history books with a record-breaking swim in the II3 Men’s 200m Backstroke (2:25.63 sec). Australia’s Alexander Hejaij added yet another record in the II3 Men’s 100m Butterfly (58.78 sec).

And in a performance that stunned the arena, Ella Hoye, just 16 years old, smashed the II3 Women’s 200m Backstroke in 2:41.28 sec, bringing her tally to four World Records — two individual and two relay.

Day 6: Wallington Hits Double Digits, Yamaguchi Stuns Again

Day 6 belonged to champions rewriting history. Australia’s Kate Wallington cemented her place as one of the greatest stars of these championships, smashing the II3 Women’s 200m Breaststroke World Record with 2:54.25 sec. This marked her 10th individual World Record, alongside two relay records — a truly breathtaking achievement.

New Zealand’s Ian Chen joined the ranks of record-breakers, clocking 2:37.01 sec in the II3 Men’s 200m Breaststroke, while Japan’s unstoppable “Dolphin” Naohide Yamaguchi set both a new Virtus World Record and an S14 World Para Swimming Record in the II1 Men’s 200m Breaststroke with 2:18.27 sec.

Sixteen-year-old Ella Hoye was not finished yet, sprinting to victory in the II3 Women’s 50m Freestyle with a record 27.75 sec. South Africa’s Minke Janse van Rensburg delivered another electric swim, smashing the II2 Women’s 50m Freestyle in 33.23 sec for her fourth individual and fifth overall World Record.

The relays added even more sparkle: Australia’s II3 Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay team shattered the record with 3:59.70 sec, while Spain made history with their first World Record of the championships in the II2 Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay (5:09.57 sec).

(L-R) World Record Breakers, Japanese Men’s 4×100 Medley Relay Team, Yuuki Tsuboi, Anku Matsuda, Naohide Yamaguchi and Rei Kagose.

Japan closed the evening in style, as the II1 Men’s 4x100m Medley Relay team stormed to a new World Record and Para Swimming World Record time with 3:59.79 sec. But behind the triumph came a moment of worry. One Japanese swimmer had to be rushed to the hospital for medical reasons and missed the victory ceremony. We are relieved and overjoyed to share that he is now doing well.

What a championship — drama, emotion, and history in every splash.

Best Team, Best Female, Best Male and Best Support Staff award winners (L-R)

‘Best Female Athlete’ was awarded to Kate Wallington from Australia, while ‘Best Male Athlete’ was won by Axel Parisot from France. Australia also took the ‘Best Team’ award. Dave Harmen, Virtus Swimming Director, was awarded the ‘Best Support Staff’ award for his leadership and efforts that contributed hugely to the success of this championship.

A Championship of Legends

From teenage prodigies to seasoned champions, #Bangkok2025 showcased performances that will inspire generations. With 63 World Records shattered, including 28 in the II3 class, these championships have set a new global benchmark for sporting excellence and inclusion.

The legacy of Bangkok will not just be in numbers — it will be remembered as the moment the world saw athletes with intellectual impairment and autism rise as true icons of the sport.

Full results can be accessed from here.

The momentum at the 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championships in Bangkok shows no sign of slowing down. After an incredible 15 world records were broken in the first two days, Day 3 brought even more fireworks in the pool, with stars from across the globe continuing to rewrite history.

Axel Parisot and Kate Wallington Lead the Charge

French swimming sensation Axel Parisot claimed his fourth Virtus World Record of the Championships with a dominant swim in the II3 Men’s 1500m Freestyle, clocking 16:42.07.

Australia’s unstoppable Kate Wallington continued her record-breaking spree, earning her fourth and fifth Virtus World Records:

• II3 Women’s 1500m Freestyle in 18:02.76, her favourite event.

• II3 Women’s 100m Breaststroke with 1:20.88, further cementing her status as one of the standout athletes of Bangkok 2025.

New Stars Shine

Alexander Hejaij (centre) posing for photos with fellow teammates at #Bangkok2025

Alexander Hejaij announced his arrival in spectacular fashion, setting a Virtus World Record in the II3 Men’s 50m Backstroke with 30.85 in the heats. He then outdid himself in the finals, lowering the mark to an incredible 30.32 seconds.

Relay Glory

The relays added to the drama with two more Virtus World Records:

• France’s II3 Men’s 4x50m Medley Relay team stormed to victory in the heats with 2:01.84.

• Australia’s II3 Women’s 4x50m Medley Relay squad matched the feat in style, setting a new standard of 2:15.34.

Yamaguchi and Japan Make History

Winners from the II1 Men’s 4x50m Medley Relay team, Brazil, Japan and Hong Kong (L-R)

Japan’s superstar Naohide Yamaguchi delivered another masterclass, shattering not just the Virtus World Record but also setting a World Para Swimming Record in the II1 Men’s 100m Breaststroke, with a blistering 1:02.53.

The celebrations continued as the Japanese II1 Men’s 4x50m Medley Relay team touched the wall in 1:49.96, adding yet another Virtus World Record to their tally.

Day 3 proved once again why Bangkok 2025 is already being called one of the most memorable Virtus World Swimming Championships ever. From seasoned champions to new stars, every race is adding to the legacy of inclusion, excellence, and record-breaking achievement.

The 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championships opened in grand style today at Assumption University in Bangkok, bringing together athletes, officials, and delegates from 31 nations for what promises to be a historic celebration of sport and inclusion.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including Major General Osoth Bhavilai, President of the ASEAN Para Sport Federation, Paul Charnvit, President of Virtus Thailand, as well as Board members of Virtus and Virtus Asia.

Athletes proudly marched into the arena representing 31 nations: Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Neutral Virtus Athletes, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States.

Synchronise swimming performance at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championships. Photo credit: Virtus Thailand/SAIT

The opening ceremony reflected both local tradition and global spirit. Children with Down syndrome and intellectual impairment from a local school delighted the audience with a traditional Thai dance, followed by a rousing performance from legendary Thai pop star Tik Shiro. The festivities concluded with a stunning artistic swimming display by Thai athletes, showcasing the host nation’s rich cultural and sporting talent.

In his opening remarks, Barry Holman, Secretary General of Virtus, praised the athletes and the Thai organisers:

“This championship is about far more than medals. It is about celebrating excellence, unity, and the power of opportunity. Already this morning, seven world records have been broken — a remarkable testament to the talent, determination, and spirit of these swimmers. This event sets a new benchmark for Virtus competitions worldwide, from the exceptional venue and warm hospitality to the cutting-edge live-streaming technology. On behalf of Virtus, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Virtus Thailand and our valued sponsors who have made this possible.”

(R-L) Paul Charnvit – President of Virtus Thailand, Barry Holman – Secretary General of Virtus, Major General Osoth Bhavilai – President of the ASEAN Para Sport Federation, Robyn Smith OAM, Virtus and IPC Board member, Patrick Chan, Virtus Asia President. 

Paul Charnvit, President of Virtus Asia, emphasised the importance of the championship for the region:

“We are proud to provide a platform where athletes with an intellectual impairment can showcase their talent and inspire the world. With the support of the ASEAN Para Sport Federation, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and our venue partners, this championship is proof of what collaboration can achieve.”

Major General Osoth Bhavilai echoed the same spirit of inclusion:

“We are proud to witness athletes with an intellectual impairment being given the recognition and opportunities they deserve. This championship highlights not only athletic excellence but also the inclusive spirit that unites our region.”

With records already falling on the opening day and the stage set for more thrilling performances, the Bangkok 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championships are shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of sport, inclusion, and human potential.

Virtus World Records Fall on Day One of #Bangkok2025

Day one of the 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championships in Bangkok saw a cascade of world records across the II1, II2, and II3 categories, with athletes not only rewriting history in the heats but also bettering their own marks in the finals.

In the II1 category, Japan’s Naohide Yamaguchi electrified the pool with a Virtus world record of 29.62 seconds in the 50m Breaststroke heats. He went on to lower the mark again in the finals with a sensational 29.02 seconds, underlining his dominance.

The II2 category brought another standout moment as Camino Martinez of Spain stormed to victory in the 400m Freestyle, setting a new world record of 6:01.93.  The South African women’s II2 team thrashed the Virtus world Record for the 4x100m Freestyle Relay with 6:09.42.

The II3 category produced a flurry of records. Axel Parisot (France) set the pace with a 4:10.05 Virtus world record in the 400m Freestyle, while Australia’s Kate Wallington not only claimed the women’s 400m Freestyle world record (4:34.87) but added another in the 50m Breaststroke (37.04). Reflecting on her milestone swims, Wallington shared:

“I’ve spent my entire swimming career criticising myself but today, all I am is proud.”

Fellow Australian Ella Hoye battled through illness to seize the 100m Backstroke Virtus world record in 1:12.57, saying:

“I felt horrible as I’ve been sick all week, but all the training I’ve done went to plan.”

Australia’s dominance continued with Morgan Hill, who broke the 100m Backstroke record in the heats (1:06.52) before lowering it again in the finals to 1:06.45. To cap off an extraordinary day, the Australian Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay team stormed home in 3:56.76, setting yet another world record.

Phakhawat Kumarasing landed the nation’s it’s first gold medal for Thailand 400m Freestyle

With records falling across every classification, the opening day showcased not only the depth of talent within Virtus sport but also the resilience, pride, and determination of athletes competing on the world stage.

Follow Virtus on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated.

Official results can be accessed from here.

Watch the livestream on Virtus’ YouTube channel.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has launched the Para Athlete Professionals training course, inviting up to 20 retiring Paralympians to join its first cohort. Applications are open until 31 August 2025, with the programme starting later this year.

Part of the IPC’s Sport for Mobility initiative, this four-year programme aims to empower Paralympians to become influential leaders, innovators, and advocates within and beyond the Paralympic Movement. Each year until 2028, a cohort of up to 20 athletes will receive in-person and online training, with a focus on inclusion, gender balance, regional diversity, and representation across different disabilities.

The course is built around six key areas:

• Leadership and self-awareness

• Career readiness

• Digital, financial, and business literacy

• Public speaking and advocacy

• Industry awareness and networking

• Legacy building and long-term impact

Mike Peters, IPC Chief Executive Officer and a two-time Paralympian, described retirement from elite sport as a profound shift — a move from a hard-earned finish line to a brand-new starting point. He acknowledged that while the transition can be challenging, it also offers a powerful opportunity for Paralympians to evolve from athletes on the field to influential leaders in their professional lives, contributing to the next generation of the Paralympic Movement and beyond.

“Through Para Athlete Professionals, we are equipping retiring Paralympians with tools to lead, influence, and innovate in new arenas. Whether it is in areas of sport administration, advocacy, or community leadership, their voices and perspectives are essential to shaping a more inclusive world. This initiative is not just about career development, it is about realising our collective future and ensuring that the Paralympic Movement will continue to be powered by those who know it best.”

Over the programme’s duration, participants will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a lasting impact in sport administration, advocacy, and community leadership.

Application deadline: 31 August 2025
Programme start: End of 2025

For more information, please refer to the Para Athlete Professionals Guidelines 2025. To apply, please visit the Para Athlete Professional Training Course Application Form