Summer Mortimer of Ancaster, Ont., earned her third gold medal in world record time and Valerie Grand’Maison of Montreal was also victorious on Thursday at the IPC world swimming championships for athletes with a disability.
In the women’s 50 freestyle for the S10 disability category, Mortimer clocked 28.35 seconds to eclipse the previous world mark of 28.44 set by Jessica Sloane of Calgary at the 2000 Paralympic Games. Sophie Pasco of New Zealand was second in 29.30 and Elodie Lorandi of France third in 29.36. Brianna-Jennett McNeill of Ottawa was sixth.
“This was probably the race I had the most fun in,” said Mortimer, 17, also the 100 freestyle and 200 IM world champion this week. “I just love the energy and speed of the race. It’s a rush. I just got off the blocks and never stopped going.”
In the women’s S13 400 freestyle, Grand’Maison collected a fifth medal and a first gold with the win in a season best 4:31.99. Rhiannon Henry of Britain was second in 4:37.08 and Kelly Becherer of the U.S., third in 4:42.72.
“It’s a relief to get the victory but I knew this was my best event going into the competition,” said Grand’Maison with a gold, three silver and a bronze so far. “I was happy with the time especially that we are in our fifth day.”
Amber Thomas of Drayton Valley, Alta., notched a silver in the S11 400 freestyle finishing with a personal best 5:32.79. Daniela Schultz of Germany won the race in a world record 5:10.71.
‘’I was a best time by six seconds and I can’t ask for more than that,’’ said Thomas. ‘’I was confident I could beat it by quite a bit because I’ve been swimming fast all week.
Benoit Huot of Montreal was fourth in the S10 50 freestyle, Devin Gotell of Antigonish, N.S., fourth in the S13 400 freestyle and Katerina Roxon of Stephenville, N.L., seventh in the S9 50 freestyle.
Canada has 16 medals (seven gold, seven silver and two bronze).
Canada is fielding a 31-member team for these championships which ends Friday.
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