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Japanese relay team make incredible comeback

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Japan claimed the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay gold in dramatic fashion at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships on Saturday (2 December).

The Tokyo 2020 hosts were out of the medals until the closing stages, trailing Spain and Brazil. But a lightning penultimate leg and anchor leg from Haruki Takayanagi and Shunya Murakami pulled them back up the rankings, enough to claim the gold in 8:52.75.

Yasuhiro Tanaka and Yuki Yamanaka completed the Japanese line-up.

France’s Nathan Maillet, Mathis Daniel, Maxime Dutter and Jacky Deforge (9:07.73) claimed the silver. Spain secured bronze courtesy of Luis Francisco Paredes, Javier Labrador Fernandez, Alejandro Meneses Madero and Adrian Manuel Santana (9:19.45).

In the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay Australia were the victors courtesy of Bronte Marshall, Casey Stevens, India Biesse-Fitton and Jade Lucy (11:01.40). Brazil’s Debora Borges Carneiro, Stephanie Ariodante, Ana Karolina Soares, Oliveira and Kelly Da Silva Antunes (11:09.26) secured the silver.

In the women’s 100m freestyle S14 Oliveira (1:04.41) claimed her third gold in two days.

The Brazilian 17-year-old impressed by finishing nearly one second faster than the USA’s silver medallist Leslie Cichoki (1:05.45). Australia’s Jade Lucy (1:06.90) claimed bronze.

France’s Nathan Maillet (56.51) converted his leading heat swim from this morning into gold in the men’s 100m freestyle S14. The Brazilian duo of Andre Luis Bento Silva (59.39) and Gutemberg De Souza (59.63) collected silver and bronze respectively.

In the men’s 50m breaststroke Yaushiro Tanaka (33.20) was the victor. His teammate Shinichi Hirota (33.73) clinched the silver just a few tenths behind. The Czech Republic’s Vladimir Hlavec (34.32) was third.

In the women’s 50m breaststroke Carneiro (37.59), another teenager talent at 19, claimed the win. Australia’s Jaime-Lee Getson (39.14) secured silver as she did in 2015. Austria’s Janina Falk (41.39) secured the bronze – at the age of 14.

The men’s 100m butterfly S14 title was claimed by Gustavo De Oliveira Nunes (1:03.74). Japan’s Takayanagi (1:04.92) led teammate Murakami (1:05.57) into second.

Australia’s Nikesha Sophia Harding (1:15.32) dominated in the women’s 100m butterfly, winning in 1:15.32.

Cichoki (1:16.36) picked up another medal with silver. Chinese Taipei’s Jo-Lin Tu (1:16.90) also enjoyed her latest podium appearance with bronze.

Trial significant additional impairment groups

In the men’s 100m freestyle – Down syndrome Brazil’s Caique Aimore (1:06.68) once again topped the podium.  Colombia’s Jaider Stiwen Hernandez (1:08.28) secured silver. Great Britain’s Billy Birchmore (1:11.00) rounded off the podium.

Aimore doubled up with the win in the men’s 50m breaststroke – Down syndrome. Spain’s Carlos Hernandez Ortiz (43.39) was second. Mexico’s Jesus Salvador Montoya (47.83) completed the top three.

In the women’s 50m breaststroke – Down syndrome Kelly Da Silva Antunes (50.40) sealed another gold for Brazil. South Africa’s Melisa Van Bosch (51.42) grabbed the silver and Estonia’s Maria Rein (52.49) the bronze.

The women’s 100m freestyle – Down syndrome saw Dunia Camacho Marenco (1:21.35) claim the title. Spain’s Camino Martinez De La Riva (1:23.28) and Mexico’s Paola Veloz Barcenas (1:29.70) won silver and bronze respectively.

A close race highlighted the men’s 100m butterfly – Down syndrome. France’s Axel Belig (1:17.23) went head-to-head with Mexico’s Jesus Garcia Gonzalez (1:17.67). Belig emerged the victor as Gonzalez settled for silver. Mexico’s Steven Martinez Arellano (1:25.00) took the bronze.

The women’s was won by France’s Cleo Renou (1:44.35). Mexico’s Daniela Michelle De Lorea (1:51.66). Colombia’s Yeimy Carolina Cortes Murci (1:55.17).

Full results are available at www.inas.org/events/results/results-2017-inas-swimming-championships

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships run until 3 December.

Live coverage, behind the scenes content, videos and pictures are available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Facebook and Twitter.

Trial eligibility groups are being run in Down syndrome and autism.

Two eligibility groups are being trialled in Aguascalientes -1. Athletes with significant additional impairment – for athletes with an intellectual impairment and a further significant impairment. Initially this will be restricted to athletes with Down syndrome. 2. For athletes with autism.

Lucy, Soares deliver upsets at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

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Upset at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

A series of upsets highlighted the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships on Friday (1 December), as defending champions toppled to up-and-coming teenage swimmers.

Australia’s Jade Lucy collected her latest gold medal in the women’s 200m freestyle S14.

Touching in at 2:22.91, the 19-year-old beat Mexico’s defending champion Beatriz Resendiz De Garcia (2:24.46) who finished with bronze.

In doing so Lucy improved on her third place finish from the 2015 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games, which also acted as the World Championships.

The USA’s Leslie Cichoki (2:24.29) secured silver.

Australia secured a second gold in the women’s 100m backstroke S14 courtesy of Jaime-Lee Getson.

Getson (1:15.95) eased to victory over Cichoki (1:17.03), who improved on her bronze from 2015. Japan’s Kasumi Fukui (1:18.22) took third.

Seventeen-year-old Ana Karolina Soares (33.02) delivered another shock in an incredibly close women’s 50m butterfly S14. The Brazilian overcame Debora Borges Carneiro (33.93) and Chinese Taipei’s former champion Jo-in Tu (34.10) to take gold.

In the men’s 200m freestyle S14 Japan’s Shunya Murakami (2:06.15) claimed the win. France’s Nathan Maillet (2:11.49) grabbed the silver. Macau’s Yu Chia Chen (2:13.76) completed the top three.

Maillet (1:11.52) triumphed in the men’s 100m backstroke S14. His compatriot Simon Blaise (1:13.89) swam to second. South Africa’s Aaron Putz (1:14.11) was third.

Brazilian Paralympian Felipe Caltran Vila Real (27.82) topped the podium in the men’s 50m butterfly S14. In what was a close race with silver medallist teammate Gustavo De Oliveira Nunes (28.24), Vila Real just had the edge. Andre Luiz Bento Silva Filho (28.89) completed an all-Brazilian top three.

Brazil went on to set a new World Intellectual Impairment Sport world record and claim gold in the mixed 4x100m freestyle S14 relay.

Their time of 4:13.12 sets the standard for the rest of the world as it is the first time the event has been contested. Soares went out first, followed by Carneiro, Branca and Vila Real.

Australia grabbed silver thanks to Getson, Patrick Donachie, Lucy and Benjamin Morrison (4:28.15). South Africa’s Paulse Ethan, Aaron Putz, Michaela Kretzen and Cornelia Fowler (4:37.86) were third.

Soares, Debora and Beatriz Carneiro and Stephanie Ariodante put in a second impressive effort to take the win in the women’s 4x50m medley S14 relay. Their time of 2:17.65 was also a new World Intellectual Impairment Sport world record.

Japan’s Kasumi Fakui, Junko Yamane, Eri Kojima and Remi Watanabe (2:28.23) sealed silver. Australia’s India Biesse-Fitton, Bronte Marshall, Nikesha Sophia Harding and Casey Stevens (2:30.97) were third.

Brazil’s final medal of the evening came in the men’s 4x50m medley S14 relay.

Guttemberg De Souza Ferreira, Luis Henrique Sieiro, Nunes and Andre Luiz Bento Silva Filho raced to a 2:01.78 finish.

There was a close battle for silver as France just edged Japan by 0.06 seconds.

Blaise, Jacky Deforge and Maxime Dutter overcame an early Japanese lead before Maillet saw off a challenge from Yuki Yamanaka over the final 50m. France finished in 2:03.47.

Japan, led off by Taiga Hayashida followed by Yasuhiro Tanaka, Haruki Takayanagi and Yamanaka, claimed bronze in 2:03.53.

Down syndrome

In the women’s 200m freestyle Spain’s Camino Martinez De La Riva (2:59.21) was the victor.

Mexico’s Dunia Camacho Marenco (3:02.52) touched the wall for second. South Africa’s Melisa Van Bosch (3:19.03) was third.

Great Britain’s Billy Birchmore (2:36.53) just pipped Mexico’s Jesus Garcia Gonzalez (2:36.76) to gold in the men’s 200m freestyle.

“I did what I had to do,” Birchmore said.

Colombia’s Jaider Stiwen Hernandez (2:42.34) rounded-off the top three.

It was Brazil’s Caique Aimore (1:19.08) who topped podium in the men’s 100m backstroke. Hernandez (1:24.43) made it into the top three again with silver. Birchmore did the same with bronze (1:25.03).

Aimore (32.88) doubled his gold medal tally for the day in the men’s 50m butterfly. France’s Axel Belig (34.56) claimed silver ahead of Mexico’s Steven Martinez Arellano (35.74) with bronze.

In the women’s equivalent Martinez De La Riva (42.80) added to her third place from the 200m freestyle with the gold. A dramatic finish saw her edge France’s Cleo Renou (42.84) by just 0.04 seconds. Kelly Da Silva Antunes (50.51) completed the podium.

In the women’s 100m backstroke Mexico’s Mariana Escamilla Brana (1:41.70) was the victor. Her teammate Daniela Michelle De Lorea (1:47.11) followed her onto the podium. Estonia’s Maria Rein (1:50.96) rounded-off the top three.

All records are subject to ratification.

Full results are available at www.inas.org/events/results/results-2017-inas-swimming-championships

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships run until 3 December.

Live coverage, behind the scenes content, videos and pictures are available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Facebook and Twitter.

Trial eligibility groups are being run in Down syndrome and autism.

Day three finals set to be close at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Champs

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Women dive into the pool at the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

The finals of day three at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships promise to be an exciting affair after a series of close heats highlighted the morning action on Friday (1 December).

In the women’s 200m freestyle S14 Australia’s 2015 bronze medallist Jade Lucy (2:25.21), qualified fastest. The USA’s Leslie Cichoki (2:25.80) was amongst the quickest yet again, leading Mexico’s defending champion Beatriz Resendiz De Garcia (2:25.82) into the top three.

In the women’s 100m backstroke Australia’s Jaime-Lee Getson (1:17.21) led 2015 bronze medallist Cichocki (1:17.47) to the wall. Japan’s Kasumi Fukui (1:18.08) was third.

Brazil’s 2015 silver medallist Gustavo De Oliveira Nunes (28.76) went quickest in the men’s 50m butterfly S14. Nunes’ Teammates Felipe Caltran Vila Real (28.84) and Andre Luiz Bento Sila Filho (29.05) were second and third.

France’s Nathan Maillet (1:12.10) led the men’s 100m backstroke S14 heats. His compatriot Simon Blaise (1:15.00) was second. Putz (1:15.52) qualified for his second final in third.

In the men’s 200m freestyle S14 heats Japan’s Shunya Murakami (2:07.22) led the field. France’s Nathan Maillet (2:11.22) was second and Macau’s Yu Chia Chen (2:17.22) third.

South Africa’s Aaron Putz (2:19.29) also qualified for the final in fourth: “I feel good actually. I can’t be unhappy with that, it was a good morning swim,” Putz said. “I just kept my pace like I was meant to and put it up each 50.”

There was further Brazilian success in the women’s 50m butterfly. Ana Karolina Soares (32.67) and Deborah Borges Carneiro (33.46) will go for further golds this evening as the first and second fastest, respectively. Australia’s Nikesha Sophia Harding (34.34) completed the top three.

Down syndrome

Mexico’s Jesus Garcia Gonzalez (2:41.67) is in pole position in the men’s 200m freestyle heats. Colombia’s Jaider Stiwen Hernandez (2:41.89) was close behind in second. Great Britain’s Billy Birchmore (2:44.37) was third.

In the women’s equivalent Mexico’s Dunia Camacho Marenco (3:06.31) was first. Spain’s Camino Martinez De La Riva (3:09.21) and Paola Veloz Barcenas (3:17.43) were second and third respectively.

Brazil’s Caique Aimore (1:19.86) qualified fastest in the men’s 100m backstroke heats. Birchmore (1:24.13) was second and Hernandez (1:26.94) third.

In the women’s 100m backstroke heats Mexican teammates Marianna Escamilla (1:43.82) and Daniela Michelle De Lorea (1:49.31) were first and second. Estonia’s Maria Rein (1:51.44) completed the top three.

In the men’s 50m butterfly heats Mexico’s Jose Enrique Melo Cruz (35.41) led the field. France’s Axel Belig (35.48) was not far behind his rival in second. Spain’s Carlos Hernandez Ortiz (35.99) completed the top three.

France’s Cleo Renou (46.75) led the women’s 50m butterfly heats. Spain’s Camino Martinez (47.90) was second and Brazil’s Kelly Da Silva Antunes (50.75) third.

Youth (under-17)

Mexico’s Alejandro Alvarado Alvarado (2:20.40) claimed gold in the men’s 200m freestyle. Alvarado’s teammate Nathum Hernandez Cetina (2:25.39) secured silver.

Certina (32.58) went on to claim gold in the men’s 50m butterfly.

Kaio Adriano Olivier (1:08.06) was the victor in the men’s 100m backstroke, claiming another title for Brazil.

Full results are available here.

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships run until 3 December.

Live coverage, behind the scenes content, videos and pictures are available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Facebook and Twitter.

Trial eligibility groups are being run in Down syndrome and autism.

Brazilian women secure World Intellectual Impairment Sport relay world record

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Relay teams line-up up on the podium

The Brazilian women’s 4x100m freestyle S14 relay team set a new International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) world record at the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships on Thursday (30 November).

Debora Borges Carneiro, Stephanie Ariodante, Beatriz Borges Carneiro and Ana Karolina Soares (4:30.19) dominated the race in Aguascalientes, Mexico. They shaved more than one second off the previous record of 4:31.68.

Australia’s Jade Lucy, India Biesse-Fitton, Jaime-Lee Getson and Nikesha Sophia Harding (4:48.42) secured silver.

Mexico impressed with a top three finish at home. Darianna Stefania, Arleth Alacantra Rico, Nora Elisa Garcia Sanchez and Mariana Diaz De La Vega (5:17.79) claimed bronze.

There was also a new World Intellectual Impairment Sport record in the mixed 4x100m medley relay S14. As it was the first time the event has been run at this level, Brazil’s winning time of 4:41.59 lays down the marker for the rest of the world.

Kaio Adriano Olivier Branco, Beatriz Borges Carneiro, Felipe Caltran Vila Real and Ana Karolina Soares Oliveira claimed the gold.

Japan’s Kasumi Fukui, Yasuhiro Tanaka, Haruki Takayanagi and Haruna Ogawa (4:43.88) sealed silver.

South Africa’s Michaela Kretzen, Aaron Putz, Paulse Ethan and Cornelia Fowler (5:17.27) completed the top three with bronze.

In the men’s 200m breaststroke S14 Japan’s Sninichi Hirota (2:44.75) improved on his silver medal from 2015. The 21-year-old led a Japanese one-two as Ryo Muramatsu (2:44.93) claimed silver. South Africa’s Aaron Putz (2:46.71) added to his medal haul with bronze.

Brazilian twins Beatriz (3:02.94) and Debora Borges Carneiro (3:04.59) claimed gold and silver respectively in the women’s 200m breaststroke SB14. Japan’s Remi Watanabe (3:12.70) completed the podium.

Just three-tenths of a second separated gold and silver in the women’s 50m backstroke S14.

Australia’s Jaime-Lee Getson (34.69) just pipped Japan’s Kasumi Fukui (34.99) to gold. The USA’s Leslie Cichocki (35.07) completed the top three.

In the men’s 50m backstroke S14 Brazil’s Gutemberg De Souza (31.83) touched in first. Australia’s Jarrod Lee (32.99) was second and Brazil’s Andre Luiz Bento Silva (33.17) was third.

The Brazilian men claimed gold in the men’s 4x100m freestyle S14. Andre Luiz Bento Silva Filho, Gustavo De Oliveira Nunes, Gutemberg De Souza and Felipe Caltran Vila Real (3:55.70) dominated.

France’s Maxime Dutter, Simon Blaise, Mathis Daniel and Nathan Maillet (4:04.52) swam well to secure the silver. The Spanish team of Luis Francisco Paredes, Javier Labrador Fernandez, Alejandro Meneses Madero and Adrian Manuel Santana (4:12.66) took bronze.

Down syndrome

Brazil’s Caique Aimore (35.91) won the men’s 50m backstroke Down syndrome with ease. The 24-year-old triumphed over Great Britain’s silver medallist Billy Birchmore (37.48). Mexico picked up their latest medal courtesy of Jesus Garcia Gonzalez (40.94) with bronze.

In the women’s Mexico’s Mariana Escamilla Brana (47.85) was the victor, followed by her teammate Sarahi Narvaes Alarcon (50.77). Estonia’s Maria Rein (51.83) was third.

Full results are available at www.inas.org/events/results/results-2017-inas-swimming-championships

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships run until 3 December.

Live coverage, behind the scenes content, videos and pictures are available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Facebook and Twitter.

Trial eligibility groups are being run in Down syndrome and autism.

Mexico win first medals at 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

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The first morning session of the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships delivered five gold medals for the hosts on Wednesday (29 November) in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Mexico grabbed their first two gold medals of the competition in the youth category.

Alejandro Alvarado (28.35) touched in first to claim gold in the 50m freestyle. Compatriot Angel Fernando Gutierrez (29.34) claimed silver.

Alvarado went on to take gold in the 200m individual medley in 2:41.16.

In the final of the women’s 200m backstroke Down syndrome Mariana Escamilla Brana (3:45.68) continued the Mexican gold rush. She was joined on the podium by two of her teammates.

Sandra Cecilia Del Real (4:04.30) took silver whilst Sarahi Narvaes Alarcon (4:15.82) secured bronze.

Mexico’s Dunia Camacho Marenco (13:16.15) was the victor in the women’s 800m freestyle Down syndrome. South Africa’s Melisa van Bosch (14:16.22) was second and Mexico’s Paola Veloz Barcenas (14:29.15) took bronze.

Mexico’s Marco Antonio Martinez (11:28.97) leaves Aguascalientes with gold after winning the men’s 800m freestyle autism.

S14

The men’s 50m freestyle S14 heats saw three Brazilians finish in the top three. Brazil’s Gustavo De Oliveira Nunes (26.30) qualified fastest ahead of teammate Andre Luiz Bento Silva Filho (26.40). Gutemberg De Souza (27.26) was third.

The women’s saw Japan’s Kasumi Fukui (30.32) touch the wall in first. Brazil’s Ana Karolina Soares (30.42) was second. The USA’s Leslie Cichocki (31.16), the 2015 silver medallist, was third.

Paralympian Felipe Caltran Vila Real (2:32.43) led the heats in the men’s 200m individual medley SM14. South Africa’s Aaron Putz (2:33.22) was second with France’s Nathan Maillet (2:34.12) third.

Australia’s Nikesha Sophie Harding (2:48.78) went quickest in the women’s 200m individual medley SM14. Brazil’s Beatriz Borges Carneiro (2:54.41) was second and Austria’s Janina Falk (2:55.10) third.

Putz heads through to the men’s 200m backstroke S14 final as the fastest with a time of 2:35.97. His teammate David Coates (2:46.34) was second.  Spain’s Adrian Manuel Santana (2:47.61) was third.

In the women’s heats Brazil’s Ana Karolina Soares Oliveira (2:47.00) led the field. Cichoki (2:50.53) was second followed by Poland’s Angelica Koniecko (2:53.62).

The USA’s Jonathan Pierce led the way in the men’s 800m, dominating the longer distance in 9:56.63.

Australia’s Benjamin Morrison (9:59.31) was second. Japan’s Kenichiro Matsuda (9:59.83) third.

Mexico’s Beatriz Resendiz De Garcia (10:30.78) will lead the women’s event this evening. Australia’s Jade Lucy (10:32.55) was second and Falk (11:22.03) third.

Down syndrome

Great Britain’s Billy Birchmore claimed gold in the men’s 200m backstroke. A strong swim from the Brit saw him take the win in 3:04.21. Birchmore was followed onto the podium by Mexico’s Juan Carlos Hermosillo (3:22.63). Pedro Fernandes Domingues (3:27.52)

Birchmore also set a competition best in the men’s 50m freestyle heats with a 30.56 swim. Brazil’s Caique Aimore (30.59) and Colombia’s Jaider Stiwen Hernandez (32.77) completed the top three.

Spain’s Camino Martinez (37.74) heads into the final of the women’s fastest. Mexican teammates Duni Camacho (38.25) and Paolo Veloz Barcenas (38.54) will also go for medals in this evening’s finals.

Stiwen Hernandez was then the victor in the men’s 800m freestyle, securing gold in 12:43.12. Jonathan Trejo Garcia (12:49.17) took silver for the hosts. He was followed onto the podium by Mexico’s Giovanni Flores Hernandez (13:32.72) in third.

Spain’s Camino Martinez (37.74) heads into the final of the women’s as the fastest swimmer. Mexican teammates Duni Camacho (38.25) and Paolo Veloz Barcenas (38.54) will also go for medals in this evening’s finals.

In the women’s 200m individual medley heat Mexico’s Daniela Michelle De Lorea (3:47.37) went quickest. Spain’s Camino Martinez De La Riva (3:47.58) was second. Brazil’s Kelly Da Silva Antunes (3:53.10) was third.

Full results are available at www.inas.org/events/results/results-2017-inas-swimming-championships

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships run until 3 December.

Live coverage, behind the scenes content, videos and pictures are available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Facebook and Twitter.

Brazilian twins aim to make a splash at swimming Champs

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Two swimmers

©Alexandre Urch/MPIX/CPB

Brazilian twins Beatriz and Debora Carneiro are targeting medals and records at the upcoming International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The 19-year-old pair are both swimming for honours as they take on more than 160 other athletes from 20 countries from 27 November – 3 December.

“I want to prepare for the World Championships and get a medal at both World Intellectual Impairment Sport Championships and at the World [Para Swimming] Championships,” Beatriz said.

Débora agreed: “I want to go to the podium, win medals and break many records.”

The duo are not the only twins to compete at the highest level in para sport. Hungary’s Bernadett and Illona Biacsi are Paralympic runners in the T20 classification.

Beatriz and Debora both started swimming at the age of 13. They instantly fell in love with the sport and just six years later, Beatriz represented Brazil at her home Paralympic Games at Rio 2016.

The pair confess to a sibling rivalry which pushes them to the limit: “It’s cool! She gives me strength and I give her strength as well. I beat her records and she beats mine…it is an inspiration!” Beatriz said.

For Debora, whilst admitting competing against her sibling makes her nervous, there are just two rivals she keeps an eye on: “The clock and my sister.”

Beatriz and Debora are both targeting the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as the next major milestone in their careers.

But Debora has even higher hopes: “I want to conquer the world!”

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships are the biggest competition for swimmers with an intellectual impairment since Rio 2016. They are also the most important stop on the road to the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games in Brisbane, Australia.

The Opening Ceremony takes place on 28 November before competition starts on 29 November.

The Championships will also be the first to feature new trial eligibility groups for Down syndrome and autism.

Live results, updates and behind the scenes content will be available at  World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter.

About World Intellectual Impairment Sport

World Intellectual Impairment Sport represents more than 300,000 athletes with intellectual impairments around the world. We give elite athletes the chance to compete at an international level and on the Paralympic stage. But we cannot continue our work towards the inclusion of the people with intellectual impairments in society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference. Find out more. 

Vila Real expecting ‘good memories and achievements’ at swimming Champs

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A swimmer, Felipe Caltran Vila Real, emerges from the water

Getty Images

Brazilian Paralympian Felipe Caltran Vila Real has spoken of his excitement for the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships which get underway in Aguascalientes, Mexico, on 28 November.

The 20-year-old made his Paralympic debut at his home Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Whilst he did not make the podium he is still looking to build on the experience.

“I have no words to describe the emotions I felt in front of that crowd,” he said. “It was certainly amazing.”

As one of his country’s best swimmers with an intellectual impairment, Vila Real already has his eyes on Tokyo 2020 and major regional events:

“I expect to be there, obviously, but more than that I aim at a medal. I think a medal in the Paralympics is the main goal, but also medals at the Parapan Am Games and so on.”

Vila Real began swimming when he was two-years-old. A doctor advised his parents he should take up sports “because of [his] hyperactivity”.

He will line-up in Aguascalientes as the defending champion in the men’s 200m butterfly. He is also a silver medallist in the 400m individual medley.

“I expect it to be a Championship full of good memories and achievements for me,” he said. “I expect a good competition because the athletes there are really determined.”

Rivals

Vila Real’s rivals include Japan’s Taiga Hayashida. He took bronze behind the Brazilian in the 400m individual medley in Ecuador in 2015.

“I haven’t taken a time to look at the start lists, but I am sure there is going to be a great field of athletes over there,” Vila Real concluded.

Aguascalientes 2017 will run from 28 November – 3 December and will see more than 150 athletes from 20 countries compete. It will be the biggest gathering of swimmers with an intellectual impairment since Rio 2016.

As well as athletes with intellectual impairments, trial groups for Down syndrome and autism will also be contested for the first time.

Live updates, videos and pictures will be available throughout at  World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter.

 

Australia reveal team for 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

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A series of swimmers with intellectual impairments dive into the pool

By Sport Inclusion Australia

A team of 10 Australian swimmers will take on the world’s best at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico, from the 28 November – 3 December.

Returning to South America after their domination of the pool at the 2015 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games in Ecuador, team officials are confident of another strong showing.

Four athletes will make their international debut alongside some more established swimmers.

In the women’s events Jade Lucy and Jaime-Lee Getson impressed in 2015 winning multiple medals between them.  Both swimmers return with promising qualifying times. Nikesha Harding is also expected to feature on the podium in individual events.

Australia’s women dominated the relays in Ecuador and will be keen for another good performance in Mexico.  Lucy, Harding and Getson will be joined by India Biesse-Fitton and debutants Casey Stevens and Bronte Marshall in the relay events.

“While most swimmers will have a large number of individual events we look forward to focusing on the relays, which will provide an opportunity for our younger swimmers to experience the pressure of swimming for a medal,”  Herbie Howard, Head Coach, said.

Patrick Donachie debuted for Australia at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics winning gold in the men’s 4 x 100m freestyle relay at the age of 17.  Seventeen years later he is still swimming for Australia.

Donachie will contest the men’s 50m butterfly, backstroke and freestyle events along with the 100m freestyle and backstroke in Mexico. He is expected to team up with his fellow swimmers in the relays.

“Patrick has been a senior statesman of our swim teams for many years and has been a wonderful team captain and mentor for the younger swimmers, it is a pleasure to have him on our team again,” Tracy Lawrence, Australian Team Manager, said.

Donachie will be joined by Ben Morrison and debutants Ben Stokes and Jarrod Lee in the men’s relay events.

Full Australian team roster

Men
Patrick Donachie
Ben Morrison
Ben Stokes
Jarrod Lee

Women
Casey Stevens

Jade Lucy
India Biesse-Fitton

Jamie – Lee Getson
Nikesha Harding
Bronte Marshall

Funding

As a self-funded team, a Mycause page to assist with the cost of representing Australia at the Championships has been set-up.

Aguascalientes 2017 is expected to attract around 150 athletes from 20 countries – the biggest gathering of swimmers with an intellectual impairment this year.

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships will be hoested in Aguascalientes

Preparations intensify for World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Champs

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The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has carried out the latest site visit to Aguascalientes, Mexico, the location of the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships.

With less than 50 days until the competition gets underway on 28 November, swimming Sport Director Dave Harman spent 48 hours in Aguascalientes in early October. He assessed progress in a number of areas including timing, medical, broadcast, branding and volunteers with the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

“Only a few weeks remain before 150 of the world’s best athletes from 20 countries arrive for the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships,” Harman said. “As this is the biggest competition for swimmers with an intellectual impairment since the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, it is important that everything is run to the highest possible standard.

“With the help of the Aguascalientes Institute of Sport the LOC are making good progress and things are starting to fall into place. We are particularly excited by the interest from Mexican television and the enthusiasm of the volunteers. As ever these people will be a huge part of the success of the event.

“There is still a lot to do in order to make Aguascalientes 2017 the best it can be, but we are confident that the LOC is firmly headed in the right direction.”

During the site visit Harman was shown plans to brand the Jesús Terán Peredo airport where most teams will arrive. Some striking look elements for the competition venue – the Alberca Olimpica swimming pool – were also presented to World Intellectual Impairment Sport.

Aguascalientes 2017 will run from 28 November – 3 December and is being organised by the Federación Mexicana de Deportistas Especiales (FEMEDE). As well as athletes with intellectual impairments, trial groups for Down’s syndrome and autism will also be contested for the first time.

Eligibility workshop to be hosted in Aguascalientes

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Adrian Rahier swimming in xxx swimming competition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has announced that a workshop on athlete eligibility will be held during the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The workshop will take place on 1 December and will be led by Professor Jan Burns MBE, Chairperson of the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Eligibility Committee.

It is designed to help people working in National Federations understand the World Intellectual Impairment Sport eligibility process. Some recent developments, including the trials of additional impairment groups for athletes with Down’s syndrome and autism, will also be highlighted and explained.

Delegates can register at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport website and Professor Burns encouraged people to take part:

“As this is the first swimming Championships to take place in the Americas, part of its success will be the legacy that is left behind and we hope that coaches, team members and representatives from federations will come along.

“The workshop is open to all World Intellectual Impairment Sport members but we particularly encourage those from the Americas region to attend. Aguascalientes 2017 provides a great opportunity for our colleagues in the area to learn more about eligibility.

“We are also trying to raise awareness of the crucial role World Intellectual Impairment Sport has in helping athletes go forward to compete in Paralympic competition as well as other elite level events.“

Para-sport has a classification process which all athletes must go through in order to compete. Athletes with an intellectual impairment must meet the criteria as defined by World Intellectual Impairment Sport which are based on the World Health Organisation and American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities definitions.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport manages this process before athletes then go on to be classified according to the sport they compete in.

The workshop is being organised and hosted by FEMEDE (Federación Mexicana de Deportistas Especiales), the Local Organising Committee of the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships.

The competition itself is expected to attract around 150 swimmers from 20 countries between 28 November – 3 December and is being sanctioned by World Para Swimming.

Support us

The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) represents more than 300,000 athletes with intellectual impairments around the world. We give elite athletes the chance to compete at an international level and on the Paralympic stage. But we cannot continue our work towards the inclusion of the world’s biggest impairment group in society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.