The Paris 2024 Paralympics saw further success for swimmers who started their swimming journey in the East Region.
Ellie Challis won gold in the S3 50m Backstroke and came 4th in S3 100m Freestyle. This follows a successful European Championship in Portugal earlier this year where Ellie returned with gold in the 50m backstroke and two silvers in the 50m and 100m freestyle events.
Grace Harvey upgraded her silver in Tokyo to a gold in Paris in a win that she said ‘means more than anything’. The 26-year-old earned herself a late present after she took to the pool the day after her birthday and came out victorious in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB5 final. She also took 4th place in the SM6 200m Individual Medley.
Louise Fiddes had a busy schedule taking gold in the SB14 100m Breaststroke and bronze in the S14 200m Freestyle. Speaking of her victory in the 100m Breaststroke Louise, admitted that she was spurred on by watching her close friend Ellie Challis moments before her race. She added: “I was on the edge of my seat even though she won it by a mile. I was like if she can do it then I can do it – roomies you know. In Tokyo we both got silver and we both got gold here so it’s incredible.” There was also a 4th place in the SM14 200m Individual Medley and 6th in the S14 100m Butterfly.
William Ellard in his debut games was crowned Paralympic champion after setting a new world record time in the Men’s S14 200m Freestyle final. William, who was already the joint world record holder after his effort at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in April, went out quickly and never looked back. This gold added to a silver in the S14 100m Butterfly and a gold in the S14 Mixed Relay! William also placed 4th in the S14 100m backstroke and 5th in the S14 200m Individual Medley.
