Katie Cosgriffe claimed Canada’s initial gold medal at the closing ceremonies of the Para Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Walnut, California. The 20-year-old from Burlington, Ontario, secured the top spot in the women’s multi-class 100m backstroke final with a season-best time of 1:08.1, earning 962 points for her first individual international medal. The event combines athletes with various impairments, determining winners based on a points system rather than the first swimmer to touch the wall. Points are assigned according to how close a swimmer’s time is to the designated world record for their specific class. Cosgriffe expressed her satisfaction with the victory, highlighting her focus on executing her race plan without preconceived expectations.
Cosgriffe, aiming for the upcoming Summer Games in Los Angeles, viewed the event as a benchmark for her future performances. Despite missing her sub-1:08 goal, she acknowledged the significance of ending her challenging season with a gold medal. The Canadian swimmer also clinched a silver medal in the 100 butterfly, setting new Canadian and Americas S10 records in the process.
Nicholas Bennett of Parksville, British Columbia, secured a silver medal in the 200m individual medley, marking his second podium finish at the competition. Bennett’s impressive performance garnered 1,020 points, coming in just eight points behind the gold medallist from Brazil. He previously won silver in the 200m freestyle event earlier in the meet.
Nicolas-Guy Turbide from Québec City lowered his own Canadian record in the 100m backstroke to 1:00.49 during the B final at the championships. Turbide, a two-time Paralympic medallist, emphasized the significance of acclimatizing to the conditions expected at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
The Para Pan Pacific Swimming Championships not only showcased outstanding athletic achievements but also served as a valuable preparation ground for the upcoming Paralympic events. The outdoor setting allowed athletes to experience similar conditions to those anticipated in Los Angeles, enabling them to adapt and strategize effectively for future competitions.