Already a triple medalist at the Para-swimming World Championships in Manchester, UK, Tess Routliffe used the final day of activity on Sunday to add a fourth medal to her haul by finishing third in the S7 100m freestyle.
American Morgan Stickney raced to the gold medal, clearing the distance in a time of 1:9.29. Behind her, Colombian Sara Vargas Blanco took the silver medal (2.86 seconds).
Routliffe was therefore battling with the Ukrainian Veronika Korzhova for the bronze medal. The Canadian eventually managed to hit the wall 0.09 seconds ahead of her rival.
Quebecer Sabrina Duchesne took fifth place in this final, just behind Korzhova, in a time of 1 min and 15.25 s.
“I’m really happy with this medal. It’s a fun race and I’m glad I got to swim with Sabrina. We always push ourselves to surpass ourselves and it is motivating to have him by my side. I feel ready for the big year ahead, I think the table is set for the Paralympic Games,” said Routliffe.
“It’s still a good result, I would have liked to be a little faster, but I will take fifth place with pleasure. I know that by working specifically on certain details, I will be able to improve my times and swim even faster next year,” Duchesne dropped.
Routliffe was also in action at the end of the day in the 4 x 100m mixed freestyle relay (34 points) with Philippe Vachon, Zach Zona and Aurélie Rivard. The Canadian quartet was unable to fight their way to the podium, finishing in seventh place.
“It was a big week in Manchester, but we can be proud of our performances. The relays were very good. Swimming like this with teammates, but especially friends, is the best way to conclude the World Championships,” said Aurélie Rivard.
Arianna Hunsicker, Philippe Vachon, Zach Zona and Abi Tripp were the four maple leaf swimmers in qualifying.
On the individual side, Rivard and Hunsicker were also in action in the S10 100 backstroke where Rivard finished the final sixth, just behind compatriot Katie Cosgriffe of Ontario. For her part, Hunsicker was held back in qualifying.
In the end, Alexander Elliot finished seventh in the men’s S10 100m backstroke final, finishing 5.45 seconds behind the winner, Stefano Raimondi of Italy.
