63 World Records Broken at 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championships

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.

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).

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 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.