Elite Swimmers Set to Shine at GG2023 stage
Japan’s incredible performance at the 2022 Virtus OA Games, where they shattered six Virtus Asia records across individual and team events, showcased their prowess as a powerhouse in Swimming. However, Brazil and Hong Kong are determined to challenge this, with their finest athletes who are ready to showcase their skills and push the limits. With these strong competitors from different nations, the stage is set for a thrilling battle at GG2023 as they strive to outperform each other and leave their mark on the global stage of Paralympic sports.
Here are some of the best athletes to look out for:
(L-R) Gabriel Bandeira, Yamaguchi Naohide, Yui Lam Chan. Photo Credit: OIS, World Para Swimming and HKSAPID
- Gabriel Bandeira (Brazil): With an impressive performance at Tokyo 2020 and Madeira 2022, Paralympic Champion Gabriel Bandeira has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. His collection of medals includes one gold, two silver and one bronze from Tokyo 2020 and three gold, one silver and two bronze from Madeira 2022, and his determination to maintain his streak of outstanding results makes him a top contender.
- Yamaguchi Naohide (Japan): Yamaguchi Naohide’s world record-breaking swim at Tokyo 2020 catapulted him into the spotlight. He made waves at Tokyo 2020 by breaking the world record in the SB 100m Breaststroke event (1:03:77sec). At the 2022 Madeira Para-Swimming Championship, he also set a championship record (1:04.46sec) and established a Virtus Asia Record in the Men’s 200m Breaststroke II1 category (2:21:26sec). As a Paralympic Champion and holder of multiple records, he brings exceptional form and unmatched skills to the breaststroke events.
- Yui Lam Chan (Hong Kong): At an early age, Yui Lam Chan has already made a name for herself. As the youngest Paralympian from Hong Kong at Tokyo 2020, she secured an impressive tally of medals at the 2019 Virtus Global Games (3 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals). Her recent gold medal in the 100m Butterfly at the 2023 Citi Series further cements her status as a rising star.
(L-R) Debora Carneiro, Beatriz Carneiro and Anku Matsuda. Photo Credit: Debora Carneiro and Deion Menzies
- Debora Carneiro (Brazil): Part of the dynamic Carneiro twins, Debora Carneiro has already made her mark on the Paralympic stage. Her bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 and subsequent success at Madeira 2022 demonstrates her prowess in the 100m Breaststroke discipline. Her impressive performance at the Global Games 2019 further marks her as a top contender.
- Beatriz Borges Carneiro (Brazil): The other half of the Carneiro twins, Beatriz Borges Carneiro, brings her own set of accomplishments to GG2023. With a bronze medal from Rio 2016 and an impressive tally of medals from the Global Games 2019 including two golds, one silver, and one bronze, Beatriz is determined to contribute to Brazil’s success once again.
- Anku Matsuda (Japan): Anku Matsuda, a talented butterfly specialist and Japanese champion, made waves with his international debut at Madeira 2022. His performance in the Men’s 100m Butterfly finals showcased his skills, while his world record-breaking swim in the Men’s II1 200m Butterfly at the 2022 Virtus OA Games secured his status as a gold medal contender.
(L-R). Aira Kinoshita, Wai Lok Tang and Alexander Hillhouse. Photo Credit: Deion Menzies and World Para Swimming
- Aira Kinoshita (Japan): Aira Kinoshita, a formidable force in the female category, shattered records at Virtus Asia and maintained an undefeated streak at the Citi Swimming World Series 2022. Her performance in the 200m Freestyle (with Virtus Asia record) and victories in the 200m Medley and 100m Breaststroke at the OA Games make her a fierce competitor to watch out for.
- Wai Lok Tang (Hong Kong): Wai Lok Tang, the gold medallist in the 200m freestyle at Rio 2016, brings a wealth of experience to GG2023. His victories in the 100m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, and 200m freestyle at the 2022 OA Games highlights his versatility and competitiveness as a spectacular athlete.
- Alexander Hillhouse (Denmark): Denmark’s Alexander Hillhouse made his mark with a bronze medal at the 2022 Madeira Para-Swimming Championship. Awarded by the ‘Top Junior Athletes’ title at the Citi Swimming World Series 2022, Hillhouse is poised to showcase his talent and make an impact at GG2023.
GG2023 is set to feature an incredible lineup of Paralympians including Liam Schutler, Pernilla Lindberg (SWE), Wonsang Cho (KOR), Keichi Nakajima (JPN), Mikika Serizawa (JPN), George Marchi (ITA), Janina Falk (Austria), Ayemeric Permentier (BEL), and the local favorite, Nathan Maillet.
Thus, with such impressive athletes coming together to contest for the top spot, GG2023 will certainly be a valuable journey for all. And whether they are defending champions, record holders or rising stars, their performances at GG2023 are definitely going to captivate audiences worldwide and inspire athletes to deliver the best of themselves.
