Australia is emerging as the winner of the Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships in Truro this week with Italy as a close second.
As of Tuesday night, Australia led with 403 points, followed by Italy with 378, Great Britain with 323 and Team Canada in fourth place with just 213 points.
However, Canada is still 100 points ahead of the United States and coaches are pleased with the home team’s progress so far.
“They’re doing so well, we’re bringing home lots of medals, the athletes are just so excited, they’re doing really well – all personal best times for everyone today,” said coach Sallie Szanik at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre on Wednesday morning.
Saskatchewan swimmer Michael Qing is emerging as one of Team Canada’s star athletes, having won gold in most of his races so far. The Truro News watched him win his 200 metre freestyle race on Tuesday afternoon.
“He’s a wonderful young man, very relaxed, takes his training seriously, concentrates, goes out there and gets the job done,” said Szanik.
The DSWSC began with an opening ceremony on Friday, July 20 evening at downtown Truro’s Civic Square, which saw hundreds of athletes and their supporters gather for welcoming speeches and live music.
The competition a unique opportunity for athletes with Down Syndrome to compete on the world stage, as people with the condition are not eligible to compete in either the Paralympics or the Special Olympics. This is because Down Syndrome can include both mental and physical disabilities.
The first full day of DSWSC races began Saturday and continued Sunday. Athletes had a rest day on Monday, when they enjoyed some sightseeing.
Races resumed on Tuesday and will continue until Thursday July 26, when the closing ceremony will be held and the winning country revealed.
The closing ceremony begins at 8 p.m. in the arena at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre, according to organizers.
The Truro News also asked for country medal totals, but organizers are only keeping tallies of points won so far.
For a full list of race results, please visit https://www.dswsc2018.com/results. Results are updated daily at 6:30 p.m. Atlantic Time.
