French Officials Calls for Inclusion of Athletes with Intellectual Impairment at the 2030 Winter Paralympics

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Marc Truffaut, President of the French Federation of Adapted Sports (FFSA) and Virtus, together with Sandrine Chaix, Vice President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and delegate for disability, have launched a powerful call for the reinclusion of athletes with an intellectual impairment at the 2030 Winter Paralympic Games.

This call is backed by Marie-Amélie Le Fur, President of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF), and Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, underlining the strength and unity behind this historic movement.

Virtus fully supports this initiative and urges the global sporting community, partners, and citizens to sign the statement in support of inclusion.

Why This Matters

Athletes with intellectual impairments have been absent from the Winter Paralympics since Nagano 1998. Yet they are here. They train, they compete, and they excel – particularly in alpine skiing and Nordic skiing.

Virtus represents more than 500,000 athletes from over 90 nations, while in France alone, FFSA supports more than 66,000 members. These athletes have already demonstrated their excellence on the global stage such as the Virtus Global Games (the world’s largest elite event for athletes with intellectual impairments), Virtus Regional Games and Virtus World Alpine and Nordic Skiing Championships, hosted in France in 2025 on FIS-approved slopes.

These achievements prove one clear point: Adapted sport is high-performance sport – not a sport apart.

The Moment is Now

On 24 July 2024, during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris, the French Alps were awarded the XXVI Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. With the Games coming to home soil, the opportunity to make history has never been greater.

France has the vision, the infrastructure, the expertise, and now the chance to close the last gap in Paralympic inclusion by welcoming back athletes with intellectual impairments.

A Call to Action

This is more than a sporting issue. It is a matter of human dignity, inclusion, and civic recognition.

We invite federations, athletes, educators, families, journalists, sponsors, influencers, and citizens to sign this statement of support. Together, we can ensure that France seizes this historic opportunity and becomes the nation that welcomes back athletes with intellectual disabilities to the Paralympic Winter Games.

By hosting the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, France proved it can lead. And now the host wants to complete the story of true inclusion and equal opportunity by including the only impairment that is still missing at the Winter Games editions: athletes with an intellectual impairment, who deserve their place on the world stage.

Statement to sign:

Barros Dethrones Barbara & Breaks 15-Year-Old World Record in T20 Women’s 1500m

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The sixth day of the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi witnessed history being made in the Women’s T20 1500m.

A rain delay did little to dampen the charged atmosphere inside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The crowd erupted as a world-class lineup entered the track: Paralympic medalists Liudmyla Danylina (UKR), Antonia Keyla da Silva Barros (BRA), Hannah Taunton (GBR), five-time Paralympic champion Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac (POL), Annabelle Colman (AUS), Kako Taunton (GBR), Kaitlin Bounds (USA), Yuna Fujiwara (JPN), Florianne Lantoine (FRA), and Pavlina Absolonova (CZE).

As expected, Barbara — the reigning World and Championship record holder — surged ahead, leading the race with her trademark control. But towards the final lap, Brazil’s Antonia Silva Barros began to close the gap. With sheer determination and explosive acceleration, she stormed past the Polish legend, crossing the line with a massive 10-second lead.

In doing so, Barros ended Barbara’s long-standing dominance, breaking her golden streak that stretched across a decade — and broke her 15-year-old World Record from 2012 (4:23.37) with a sensational 4:19.22.

Speaking to Virtus, an emotional Barros said:
“I studied Barbara’s style of running very hard. She has the same strategy as me, and she will run the same as me so I had to do something different towards the end to defeat her, and that’s what I did today. It was a lifetime experience for me with this great win. I will keep working hard to become the world champion again.”

Outlining her plan, she explained, “I was expecting to be in front in the first 800m or 600m because I knew she is very strong with her finish, so I didn’t want her to have the chance to win in the last minute. So my strategy was to run fast and stay with her from the beginning and run as fast as I can in the end.”

Barros dedicated her historic medal to a loved one,  “I would like to dedicate this medal to my grandmother. She is not with us anymore but the strength I have comes from her. She gave me the power to come here and win.”

And on her celebration plans, “I will celebrate this medal with my team, my coach, my physio and my girlfriend tonight. When I go back to Brazil, I want to go to a waterfall and enjoy, to be offline and rest a bit because I really need it.”

Barbara secured silver in 4:29.60, while Australia’s Annabelle Colman claimed bronze with 4:35.56.

Full results can be accessed from here.

World Record for Yarovyi And Golden Win For Dieng Lighted Up New Delhi 2025

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The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi beamed with excitement on Day 5 of the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships as the newly added event, Men’s 800m track event, and the Men’s Shot Put made their way.

Men’s F20 Shot Put – World Record for Yarovyi

It was an all-Ukrainian showdown in the Men’s F20 Shot Put, as Oleksandr Yarovyi stole the spotlight with a new World Record of 17.73m.

Paralympic champion and world record holder Maksym Koval had set the early pace with 17.28m, before improving to 17.52m — his season’s best. But it was Yarovyi who raised the bar, first overtaking with 17.36m and then sealing gold with his record-breaking throw of 17.73m.

Mohd Ziyad Zolkefli (MAS) claimed bronze with 17.26m and expressed his pride in representing Malaysia:

“I thank God that I won this medal. I put in a lot of effort to reach this result. I’m not fully satisfied, but this competition is important. This medal is for Malaysia, my family, my coach, and my fellow athletes who have supported me throughout.”

The event underlined Ukraine’s dominance in the field, with Yarovyi’s world record performance standing out as one of the highlights of the championship.

Golden run for Dieng in newly added T20 Men’s 800m

The Men’s 800m T20 made its debut this year at the World Para Athletics Championships, and it was Italy’s Ndiaga Dieng who claimed the inaugural world title with a time of 1:53.91.

Ndiega Dieng at Virtus Global Games 2023, Vichy, France. Photo Credit: Kellerman Lens

The Virtus Global Games 2023 double champion (800m and 1500m) and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic bronze medalist ran a tactically brilliant race, surprising many by holding back in the early stages. Speaking to Virtus after his victory, Dieng explained:

“This was always the race I wanted to run at the World Para Athletics Championships — a tactical race. In the past, I went out too fast and lost the lead in the final stretch. This time, I stayed with the group and saved my energy for the last 100m. My goal was gold, and I achieved it.”

Mahutan Meshal (KSA) pushed hard to finish second in 1:54.26, while Mehmet Emin Egilmez (TUR) secured the bronze. The final lineup also featured Maksim Angelov (NPA), Soomyeong Cha (KOR), Arampatzis Gavriil (GRE), Abdulmajeed Ghafiry (KSA), and Daniel Milone (AUS).

Full results can be accessed from here.

David Jose Pineda Mejia Sprints to Glory with Championship Record in Men’s T20 400m Final

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The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi erupted with energy as the finals of the Men’s T20 400m took center stage at the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. It was a clash of champions, featuring Rio 2016 gold medalist Daniel Martins (BRA), Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Charles-Antonio Kouakou (FRA), Paris 2024 silver medalist David Jose Pineda Mejia (ESP), and Saudi Arabia’s rising star Idris Sufyani (KSA).

The race delivered everything fans could have hoped for. Martins surged ahead after the 200m mark, only to be challenged by Pineda at the 300m. As the two battled stride for stride, Sufyani powered forward to join the fight for medals. In the final stretch, it was Pineda who stormed across the finish line, clocking a blistering 47.12s to secure his first World Championship gold — and set a new Championship Record. Remarkably, he had broken his own record twice in two days, first in the heats and then again in the final.

Speaking to Virtus Sport after the race, an elated Pineda said,

“I knew it was going to be a pretty fast race, like the semifinals yesterday. I was trying to be on the first few until the 300m because I know I can give a stronger finish and win the race. I am feeling great. I am happy that I was able to improve the record. Today, the weather helped me a lot. I was not able to go under 47, but maybe next time.”

Reflecting on his race strategy, he added:

For Pineda, this medal carries deep significance, “This medal is very important for me as I set my goals at the beginning of this season for this championship. The truth is that I wanted the world record, but it seems like I have to go after it another year. It was one of my long-term objectives. I would like to dedicate this medal to my teammates. Without them, I wouldn’t be doing athletics today. I am going to celebrate this medal with my people, my family, and my training group.”

Silver went to Daniel Martins, who delivered a powerful performance that confirmed his resurgence in the T20 400m. The Brazilian, visibly proud, said,

“It’s the weights I have lifted for two or three years, and now I have won the silver medal, what a joy. Brazilian flag will be on the podium, so I am even happier.”

The Rio champion reflected on his evolution as an athlete:
“I am much more mature now. I am still the same Daniel from Rio 2016, but a lot happier, with a better head.”

He also praised the new generation,
“There are a lot of new athletes coming up now, young and very talented ones. We (senior athletes) have to prepare twice as much as they do. Rivalry is on the track, but outside the track, we joke, we laugh and maintain friendship.”

Martin dedicated his silver to his supporters, “I want to dedicate this medal to my god, my family, my friends, to my sponsors and to all Brazilians. We have to enjoy this win, run in the rain and enjoy. I am going to eat a big cake tonight and enjoy my victory with my friends.”

Idris Sufyani of Saudi Arabia claimed the bronze medal with an impressive 47.55s, sealing his place among the world’s best in this electrifying final.

Sabrina Fortune Takes Her Fourth World Title With A Record From New Delhi 2025

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The third day of the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi turned into another unforgettable showcase for athletes with intellectual impairment. Despite the scorching heat, competitors brought their very best, delivering record-breaking performances and emotional milestones.

Sabrina Fortune Smashes World Record in F20 Women’s Shot Put

Britain’s 28-year-old Sabrina Fortune continued her reign of dominance, successfully defending her World Championship crown to win her fourth global title. Having already triumphed in Dubai 2019, Paris 2023, and Kobe 2023, the “golden girl” of shot put went even further this time — literally. Fortune hurled the shot an astonishing 16.75m, a full meter beyond her previous World Record.

Clearly elated, she confessed her surprise to Virtus,

“It was crazy. I wasn’t expecting that at all. We were told to just go and do a simple throw and that simple throw turned out to be a bit further than what I was expecting. I can’t point a word to how happy and proud I am to get that. I wanted to get 16m, but to go beyond it was just mental.”

Breaking the record on her very first attempt only added to the drama,

“I was very surprised to break the World Record in the first throw. I was like, it’s ok, it’s…but then when I watched it go, I was like ‘what was that?’ I was just over the moon. I was expecting to break it maybe in the last throw, but not the first throw. It seems like I am just getting a rhythm of getting it in the first throw after Paris 2023.”

Even though adrenaline made it hard to maintain consistency, she achieved exactly what she came for,

“I wanted to break it again, but there is just so much adrenaline that you end up falling off a bit. Whereas I just wanted to keep going, but as long as it stayed closer to 16m, I was happy. I did what I came here to do, so I was just really, really happy to get that.”

Teenage Breakthrough: Keskin Wins Turkey’s First Medal in T20 Field Events

Ebrar Keskin posing with her silver medal from the 2025 Virtus European Indoor Championship, Espoo. Photo Credit: TOSSFED

Turkey’s 18-year-old Ebrar Keskin also made history, capturing her nation’s first-ever T20 field event medal at the World Para Athletics Championships. She sealed silver with her very first attempt, a throw of 13.80m, announcing herself as a rising star.

Brimming with pride, she said:

“I am very happy and proud of myself. We (Turkey) got a medal for the first time in the T20 field events at World Para Athletics. This is a great achievement, so I am very happy. More to come in LA 2028 with the World Record hopefully.”

The teenager admitted she came prepared and expected a medal, though not silver:

“I came prepared, so I was expecting a medal. I was expecting a bronze medal, but to get silver, I want to thank God for this. I want to dedicate this medal to my mom.”

Her sights are now firmly set on Los Angeles:

“My ultimate goal is to set a world record at LA2028.”

Aleksandra Zaitseva (NPA) completed the podium with bronze, recording 13.74m.

Pineda Mejia Breaks Championship Record in T20 Men’s 400m

David Pineda Jose posing after his Paris 2024 win. Photo Credit: Jose Penida/NPC Spain

The morning heats of the T20 Men’s 400m produced yet another record-breaking story. Pineda Mejia stormed to first place in his heat, blissfully unaware that he had just smashed the Championship record. The Paris 2024 silver medalist seems like heading towards another victory at New Delhi 2025.

When Virtus reporter Mousumi Mazumdar broke the news to him, his joy was uncontainable:

“I actually felt pretty good, but I didn’t know that I had broken a record. I had a pretty easy, comfortable and fast race. I knew at the end I was going to go quite fast, which I liked. It meant it was going well. In the final part, I accelerated a little and went faster. I still have room for improvement, but I am happy.”

Joining Mejia in the finals are Idris Sufyani (KSA), Alfin Nomleni (INA), Daniel Martins (BRA), Rodriguez Ramirez (ESP), Charles-Antonio Kouakou (FRA), Md. Nor Azmi (MAS), and Daniel Antonio (POR). The showdown is set for September 30, where one last race will decide who stands atop the podium.

Full results can be accessed from here.

Latif Romly Breaks His Seven Year Old World Record At New Delhi 2025

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The second day of the IndianOil 2025 World Para Athletics Championships saw the F20 Men’s Long Jump light up the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with world-class performances and record-breaking feats.

The event featured a stellar lineup — World Record holder and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medalist Latif Romly (MAS), Paralympic champion Matvei Iakushev (NPA), Paris 2024 bronze medalist Jhon Sebastian Obando Asprilla (COL), and Virtus ambassador Lenine Cunha (POR) — all battling for a place on the podium.

From the very first attempt, Malaysian star Latif Romly stamped his authority. Soaring to 7.61m, he shattered the championship record previously held by Ranki Oberoi from 2019. Romly then went one step further, rewriting history by breaking his own seven-year-old World Record (7.64m) with a massive 7.67m jump. The superstar is expecting a baby soon and dedicated his medal to his wife and their soon-to-arrive child.

Thrilled by his performance, Romly told Virtus,

“I’m very satisfied with my performance today because I was able to break two records (Championship and World record) here in New Delhi. I would like to dedicate this medal to my wife and my children. Balancing training and giving time to my wife and baby, which is coming soon, both are important, and the key is discipline.”

Behind him, Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Dawshi produced a strong 7.20m leap to secure second place, while Roberto Carlos Chala of Colombia clinched his first-ever World Championship medal, silver, with a personal best of 7.36m. His third attempt sealed the bronze, marking a career milestone. Hassan won silver at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Matvei Iakushev (NPA), renowned for his unpredictable and explosive style, secured the bronze medal after a dramatic turnaround. Failing to clear his first two attempts, he kept the crowd on edge before making a strong comeback in his third jump with 6.97m. He then pushed further in his fourth attempt, registering a season’s best of 7.22m — enough to climb the rankings and claim the bronze.

Colombian jumper Jhon Sebastian Obando Asprilla reached 6.81m on his first attempt, ranking himself in the top three early in the contest before eventually finishing outside the medals.

Veteran athlete Lenine Cunha of Portugal, a proud Virtus ambassador, finished eighth but left the field with immense pride. At 42 years old, he shared,

“I am 42 years old now and finished 8th out of 15 best athletes. This is a gold medal for me. I hope Virtus friends can see me and be inspired because it’s never too late to try. I missed the Paralympic Games qualification time last year, but now I am here ranking 8th, so never give up.”

Reflecting on the competition, Cunha praised the rising talents:

“The competition is very strong. There are so many new athletes, from South Korea, from the Philippines, and there is a new guy from Portugal, too. This is good for both Para Athletics and Virtus.”

The F20 Men’s Long Jump not only crowned a new world record holder but also showcased the depth, spirit, and resilience of para athletics on the grand stage of New Delhi.

Full results can be viewed from here.

Twenty Year Old, Aysel Shatters Her Own World Record At New Delhi 2025

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IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships started with a bang for the athletes with an intellectual impairment, as Aysel Onder set a new World Record in T20 Women’s 400m on the first day of the championship.

Twenty-year-old Aysel Onder, representing Turkiye, shattered her own World Record from last year, 54.96 sec, to a new Record time of 54.51 sec. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Silver medalist lost the gold at Kobe 2024 by just a few seconds to India’s Deepthi Jeevanji. However, she turned her silver into gold at New Delhi 2025, claiming her first-ever World Championship gold.

“I feel perfect about my race. The heats went well for me in the morning, and I am happy that I could run 54.51 in the finals. I never imagined that I would become a World Champion at this young age.”

Aysel believes that all the competitors she ran with are great, but the biggest challenge for her is herself, and she keeps trying to defeat her own expectations.

Deepthi Jeevangi wins silver for the host country

Deepthi Jeevanji at New Delhi 2025. Photo Credit: PCI

Host runner, Deepthi Jeevanji, who is a 22-year-old, qualified for the medal round with the first position in the Women’s 400m T20 event heat 2 in the morning.

The 22-year-old Telangana-born athlete secured the first position in the second heat of Round 1 of the Women’s 400m T20 event. She took 58.35 seconds, which is her season’s best performance. In the finals, Jeevanji won silver, defeated by Ukraine’s Yullia Shuliar (56.29), the Paris 2024 gold medalist.

“I am happy to win the silver medal here in New Delhi, in front of Indian supporters.“

Full results can be accessed from here.

2025 World Para Athletics Championships Kicks Off at New Delhi

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In a landmark moment for Indian sports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships would reaffirm India’s image as a “sporting and inclusive” nation. The grand opening ceremony took place on 25th September at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Welcoming the 2,200 competitors from more than 100 nations, PM Modi remarked:

“By breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks, para athletes have played a vital role in strengthening India’s identity as a rising sporting hub, motivating millions to embrace sports as a way of life.”

India now joins Qatar (2015), UAE (2019), and Japan (2024) as the fourth Asian nation to host the prestigious event, organised by the Paralympics Committee of India.

Expressing pride in hosting the championship, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Prime Minister of New Delhi said:

“Sport has a great way of connecting people, transcending all barriers of religion, region and nationality. In today’s world, it is all the more important to emphasise this unifying aspect of sport. I am sure the WPAC will have a similar impact on all the participants and spectators.”

Kangana Ranaut (MP), Rashmi Govil (Representative from Indian Oil), Hari Ranjan Rao IAS (Sports Secretary), Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Sports Minister), Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Paul Fitzgerald (Head of WPA). Photo Credit: Paralympic Committee of India

The vibrant opening event was attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse, Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, MP Smt. Kangana Ranaut, Delhi Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood, and World Para Athletics President Mr Paul Fitzgerald.

WPAC 2025 is the first international event to be staged on the brand-new Mondo track at the Nehru Stadium. The track — identical to the one used at the Paris 2024 Paralympics and designed in shades of blue — was inaugurated by Dr Mandaviya on August 29, National Sports Day. Alongside, a Mondo warm-up track and a multi-speciality gym capable of accommodating 200 athletes at once were also unveiled.

Cultural program showcasing different dance forms of India. Photo Credit: PCI

Dr Mandaviya, who declared the championships open, highlighted India’s largest-ever contingent: “For India, these world para athletics championships are about pride, progress, and purpose. We have assembled our largest-ever para contingent of 74 athletes, a testament to how deeply para-sports have taken root in the country. Champions such as Sumit Antil, Preethi Pal, Deepthi Jeevanji, Dharambir Nain, and Praveen Kumar will compete on home ground.”

The competition begins on September 27, with 186 gold medals at stake. Mr Fitzgerald noted,

“Spectators inside the stadium and a global audience around the world will experience the brilliance of the athletes competing in newly renovated facilities designed to maximise their skill, speed and strength. Yes, world records will be broken. Yes, world champions will be crowned. But not every athlete will achieve their dream of being on the podium with their national anthem playing. There will be many triumphs but also many disappointments. I invite everyone to experience all of the emotions with the athletes.”

The championships also mark India’s growing ambition to host major global sporting events. Dr Mandaviya revealed, “We are deep into planning for the Commonwealth Games 2030, and we have our eyes set on hosting the Olympic Games in 2036 with ambitions that will accelerate infrastructure, opportunity, and the sporting dreams of countless youth. As the Prime Minister has said, ‘Sport not only creates champions; it also promotes peace, progress and wellness.’ That is the guiding light of our sporting journey.”

He further emphasised the broader impact of WPAC and said, “Yet beyond infrastructure or ambition lies a deeper legacy: a transformed mind-set. We will leave behind accessible venues, stronger support systems for para-athletes, and a renewed national conversation around equal opportunity in sport. These are the true outcomes that will endure long after the medals have been awarded.”

India’s para athletes, including Paralympic medallists and world champions, are expected to thrive on home soil. At the Kobe edition in 2024, India delivered its best-ever WPAC performance with 17 medals (6 gold, 5 silver, 6 bronze), finishing sixth overall. The 2023 Paris championships had already seen a record 10 medals (3 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze), laying the groundwork for this moment.

PM Modi hailed their resilience, “The remarkable performances of para athletes have redefined the meaning of resilience and determination, inspiring both sportspersons and common people across the world. Their achievements have ignited a collective belief that no challenge is impossible to overcome.”

Athletes with an intellectual impairment will be competing in T20 and F20 events: 400m, 1500m, Shot-put, Long jump and in a new track event, T20 800m. Star athletes like Maksym Koval (UKR), Yuliia Shuliar (UKR), Aysel Onder (TUR), Deepthi Jeevanji (IND), Ben Sandilands (GBR), Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac (POL), Abdul Latif Romly (MAL), Karolina Kucharczyk-Urbanska (POL), along with many others, will be making their appearance at New Delhi 2025.

More information can be found on the event website.

World and Championship Records Continue To Fall At The Singapore 2025 WPS Championships

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The 2025 Toyota World Para Swimming Championships continued to deliver unforgettable moments on Days Four and Five, as world records fell and the crowd roared with excitement during some of the most thrilling races yet.

The energy in the arena reached its peak with the always-anticipated relay events. In the Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay S14, it was nothing short of a spectacle. Great Britain, Brazil, and Thailand went head-to-head in a fierce battle for supremacy. With flawless teamwork and lightning-fast exchanges, Great Britain surged to victory, smashing the Championship Record in 3:41.14. Brazil stayed on their heels, touching in 3:45.56, while Thailand, powered on by a roaring home crowd, finished with pride in 4:47.94.

Gabriel Bandeira storming towards the finish line at Paris 2024. Photo Credit: Alexandre Schneider CPB

If the relays weren’t dramatic enough, the Men’s 200m Individual Medley S14 brought the crowd to its feet once more. Gabriel Bandeira (BRA) delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the championship, shattering the World Record with a blistering 2:05.40. It was a race to the wire, with Rhys Darbey (GBR) finishing just 0.44 seconds behind to take silver, while Nicholas Bennett (CAN) fought hard for bronze with 2:06.30.

In the Women’s 200m Individual Medley S14, drama unfolded once again as Valeriia Shabalina (NPA) showcased her dominance with a gold medal swim of 2:22.50. Olivia Newman (GBR) made a late charge to secure silver in 2:23.49, while Paralympic legend Bethany Firth (GBR) held strong for bronze in 2:25.24.

Days Four and Five proved why Para swimming is one of the most thrilling spectacles in sport – record-breaking performances, razor-thin finishes, and the sheer pride of representing one’s nation on the world stage.

Record falls and Championship title defended at Day 2 amd 3 of Singapore 2025

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The second day of the 2025 Toyota World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore was packed with world-class performances and record-breaking swims.

Australia’s Benjamin Hance set the tone by smashing his own World Record in the Men’s 100m Backstroke S14. Improving on his previous mark of 56.35s, Hance clocked an incredible 55.99s, securing gold and reaffirming his dominance.

The battle for silver and bronze was just as intense, with Brazil’s Gabriel Bandeira edging out Great Britain’s William Ellard. Bandeira touched in 58.37s for silver, while Ellard settled for bronze at 58.95s.

(L-R) Winners of S14 100m Backstroke, Georgia, Poppy and Bethany. Photo Credit: World Para Swimming

In the women’s events, British swimmers once again showcased their strength with a podium sweep in the S14 100m Backstroke. Poppy Maskill claimed her second gold of the championships in 1:05.09, setting a new Championship Record. She was closely followed by Bethany Firth (1:05.54) and Georgia Sheffield (1:06.27), underlining Britain’s remarkable depth in this category.

Day 3 – Thrills in the Breaststroke Finals

Naohide Yamaguchi posing after his record-breaking race at Bangkok 2025. Photo Credit: Virtus

The third day delivered high drama in the 100m Breaststroke events.

In the men’s race, Japan’s Naohide Yamaguchi defended his unbeaten streak, securing another championship title with a new Championship Record of 1:03.36. Australia’s Jake Michel pushed him to the limit, finishing just 0.15s behind. The fight for bronze was equally gripping, with Great Britain’s Harry Stewart narrowly defeating Canada’s Nicholas Bennett. Stewart clocked 1:04.04, edging Bennett by just 0.86 microseconds.

In the women’s race, Brazilians dominated the podium. Rising star, Araujo Flausino, had a smooth win, winning her first gold medal from Singapore 2025, while Débora Carneiro faced a tight contest with Great Britain’s Olivia Newman. Débora held on in the final stretch, securing silver by just 0.55 microseconds, leaving Newman to take bronze.

Day 2 and 3 in Singapore highlighted the best of Para swimming: record-breaking performances, nail-biting finishes, and extraordinary displays of resilience and rivalry on the world stage.

Full results can be accessed from here.