Danielle Dorris has done it again.
The Canadian swimmer won gold in the women’s S7 50-metre butterfly on Saturday at the Paris Paralympics, successfully defending her title from three years ago at the Tokyo Games.
Dorris, who also holds the world record in the event, touched the wall in 32.66 seconds. American Mallory Weggemann took silver in 34.94 seconds, while Italy’s Giulia Terzi rounded out the podium in 35.40 seconds.
“I’m ecstatic,” Dorris said. “Coming in, I kind of knew I was going to perform as well if I did, and I’m very happy with the results.”
Canada’s Tess Routliffe narrowly missed her third medal of these Games, finished fourth at 36.38 seconds.
WATCH | Dorris dashes to gold:
Danielle Dorris from Moncton, N.B., wins gold in the women’s S7 50-metre butterfly at Paris 2024 to successfully defend her title from three years ago at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Dorris, the 21-year-old from Moncton, N.B., was fastest out of the blocks and never looked back, flirting with her own world-record pace for much of the race before fading some late.
Still, it was more than enough for the Canadian to claim her second career Paralympic title and third medal. She also owns a silver from the 100m backstroke in Tokyo and made her Paralympic debut as a 13-year-old at Rio 2016.
“I had no clue what was going on, shell shocked, just there for experience. Coming to Tokyo, changing classifications, being very competitive, having nobody in the stands — it was a little sad, but still a great experience,” Dorris said.
“Now coming here and winning my second medal in this amazing crowd, with my family here, is incredible. I’m much more mature now. I’m very happy for this whole journey that I’ve been on. More to come.”
WATCH | ‘Incredible’ feeling for Dorris:
Danielle Dorris from Moncton, N.B., reflects on winning gold in the women’s S7 50-metre butterfly at Paris 2024 to successfully defend her title from three years ago at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Routliffe, meanwhile, looked poised to join Dorris on the podium for about 30 metres. But the 25-year-old from Caledon, Ont., was caught and passed by Italy’s Giulia Terzi, who has never failed to win a medal in any individual race, in the closing stretch.
Also Saturday, Canada’s Shelby Newkirk claimed bronze in the women’s S6 100m backstroke.
China’s Yuyan Jiang touched first in a world-record time of 1:19:44, followed by Ellie Marks of the United States, who finished in 1:20:34.
WATCH | Newkirk swims to bronze:
A bronze medal in the 100-metre backstroke S6 for Shelby Newkirk in Paris in a time of 1:22.24 was the native of Saskatoon’s first Paralympic medal.
Newkirk was third-fastest overall in qualifying (1:24.72). She placed second in her heat behind Tokyo gold medallist and world-record holder Ellie Marks of the United States.
The 28-year-old was diagnosed with dystonia at age 13 after her right foot started cramping and spasming uncontrollably. The condition, which affects her movement, balance and coordination, resulted in Newkirk losing the use of her right foot.
Also in the pool Saturday, Canada’s mixed 4×100 34-point freestyle team placed eighth.
WATCH | Newkirk chats about medal-winning race:
Saskatoon’s Shelby Newkirk speaks about her bronze medal at the Paralympics in the 100-metre backstroke S6.
Source Agencies
