Double Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds was among the swimming stars at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester on Monday (31 May), setting a new world record in the women’s SM6 200m individual medley.
Simmonds kicked off the final day in fine style, lining up against tough competition in the form of fellow Brit Natalie Jones and Germany’s Verena Schott.
She caught the leader Jones in the freestyle leg and took victory ahead of Jones on the touch, knocking her own world record down to 3:11.06 in the process.
“It was really a surprise to do a world record,” the 15-year-old former Junior Sports Personality of the Year commented. “I am in heavy training at the moment for the World Championships so I am really happy with my times.
“I’m feeling really fit at the moment. My speed is not there yet in my front crawl but the fitness is there so hopefully I can do even better at the World Championships.”
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Nyree Lewis also set a world record in the women’s S6 100m backstroke, having won the same event at the IPC Swimming European Championships in Reykjavik in October last year. Lewis gave an impressive performance, leading by almost two seconds at the turn and finishing in 1:26.87.
Charlotte Henshaw added to the tally, taking gold in the women’s SB6 100m breaststroke in a tight race against another fellow Brit, Paralympic Champion and world record holder Elizabeth Johnson. Henshaw remained ahead throughout the race, stretching her lead in the final 15m and finishing in another new world record of 1:39.56.
“I was really surprised with what I swam today,” said Henshaw. “That was very unexpected. I’ve been slowly chipping away at Liz’s record and I finally took it today. I have a friendly rivalry with her. It’s always good to have someone to race against and to push you. It’s nice to have someone there with you at the block and then be a rival once you’re in the water.” Johnson settled for the silver medal, finishing in 1:40.02.
Stephanie Millward and Louise Watkin also won gold in the S9 100m Butterfly and S9 50m Freestyle respectively. The GB swimming team dominated in the World Cup events, winning a total of 10 gold medals from 12 events.
Anna Young, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
