World Record for William Ellards in S14 200m Freestyle at Paris 2024

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On the third day of swimming competitions at the Paris Paralympic Games, the 200m freestyle S14 competition was underway for athletes with intellectual impairment and witnessed more amazing news for Team GB once again.

Great Britain’s William Ellard broke the world record in the 200m freestyle S14 by finishing the race in 01:51:30, a time that also guarantees him the Paralympic record. The world and Paralympic record was held by his compatriot Reece Dunn (01:52:40).

Ellard dedicated his medal to his late grandmother, who passed away four years ago.

“To have my family behind me, my nan in the back of my head, I did it for her.”

“She died about four years ago, she was my biggest supporter when I was swimming. The last thing she ever said to me on WhatsApp was ‘see you in Paris, 2024.” 

The men’s podium was completed by Canadian Nicholas Bennet, 01:53:61, with silver, and Australian Jack Ireland, 01:53:77, with bronze, an Oceania record. Jack, who is starting his Paralympic Games journey in Paris 2024, won silver in the 4x100m freestyle in Manchester 2023. He highlighted the public in the arena.

“To be honest, once you know you’re prepared and you hear the screams, it’s just a matter of trying to keep your composure and focus on the test,” said Ireland told Virtus. 

Nicholas Bennet, William Ellards and Jack Ireland on the podium after S14 200m Freestyle (L-R). Photo Credit: Paralympic GB

In the women’s category for the same event, British women dominated the podium by winning both silver and bronze. Neutral athlete Valeriia Shabalina repeated her feat from last year’s edition by being the fastest in the event. She stormed towards the finish line with a time of 2:05:10sec. Great Britain’s Poppy Maskill took the silver at 02:07:16, and Louise Fiddes, at 02:07:91.

“Watching Will’s race before mine did motivate me a bit, so I’m glad for that. I think he did really well,” said Poppy Maskill after winning the silver.

Winners of S14 Women’s 200m Freestyle. Photo Credit: Paralympics GB

Gold for Amanda Rein in C3 500m time-trial

Australian S14 Swimmer cum C3 Cyclist, Amanda Reid has won gold in C3 500m time-trial with a time of 36.676. She is a two-time Paralympic champion in the C1-3 500m time trial now.

Amanda Reid OAM is a versatile Australian Paralympian who has excelled in swimming, cycling, and snowboarding. She represented Australia in swimming at the 2012 Summer Paralympics. At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics, she claimed a silver medal in the Women’s 500m Time Trial C1–3, followed by a gold medal in the same event at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. In 2023, Amanda added to her impressive achievements by winning a gold medal at the World Para Snowboard Championships. She also showcased her talent at the 2019 Virtus Global Games in Brisbane.

Athletics competitions for the T20 and F20 class will be starting from tomorrow with Women’s F20 Shot-put being the first event along with S14 4x100m Mixed Freestyle relay in Swimming.