Alani Ferreira broke two more African records at the Paralympics in Paris on Thursday.
The visually impaired swimmer finished third in her morning heat of the SB12 100m breaststroke to set a new continental mark of 1:21.95 and then went even quicker in the evening final.
While the World Championships bronze medallist was hoping to reach the podium in Paris, she had to be content with fifth place, but achieved it in an even quicker time, lowering her new record to 1:21.36.
The race was won by three-time world champion in the event and defending Paralympic champion Elena Krawzow of Germany who set a new world record on her way to victory in 1:12.54 – over three seconds clear of her nearest rival.
“[I feel] very sore,” admitted a disappointed Ferreira afterwards. “I definitely gave it my all, so that’s all I could ask for. I went in trying my best and that’s exactly what I gave, so I’m happy with the time.”
Ferreira described herself as more of a back-end swimmer, meaning she’s quicker on the second 50m of the race but sometimes leaves herself too much work to do.
“It’s something we really tried to work on is getting out faster, but it’s just something I need to work on some more when I get home,” she said, suggesting that a fourth Paralympic campaign in LA in 2028 could be on the cards.
“I’m definitely going to try, if my body lets me, I’ll be there,” said the Pietermaritzburg swimmer. “I definitely don’t think I’m done, and if I’m still improving now then hell, why can’t I improve in four years’ time?”
The other South African in action at La Defense Arenain Paris on Thursday was Danika Vyncke, who reached her first Paralympic final after swimming 1:24.91 in her morning heat of the SB12 100m breaststroke.
The 17-year-old also went quicker in the evening, finishing eighth in a time of 1:23.81.
“I’m happy with the time, it was a fun swim. I really just went out there and enjoyed it,” said Vyncke after the race.
“It felt amazing. I mean, my first Paralympic final, it was definitely exciting… I’m super excited, this just makes me want to work harder.”
Earlier in the day, Nathan Hendricks wrapped up his Paralympics with the heats of the SB13 100m breaststroke – his fifth event of the Games. The 19-year-old finished seventh in 1:13.04 and did not progress to the evening final.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Christian Sadie competed in his third final in Paris, finishing seventh in the S7 50m freestyle in a time of 28.75 seconds – another African record. He’ll be back in action on Saturday in his strongest event – the S7 50m butterfly.
Bazooka Har-De-Har
Sport Trivia: Who captained the South African 1992 Olympic squad? Answer: Oscar Chalupsky. Elana Meyer won silver in the 10000m in Barcelona. Malcolm Todd represented South Africa in archery, and Penny Heyns was the youngest member of the squad at just 17. Oscar Chalupsky is a rower/paddler and has been in the limelight in this arena since his first competition in 1979. He placed second in the Molokai World Surf Ski Championship in 2006, at the age of 43.
Napoleonic Haze
Jonah Lomu, a former New Zealand rugby player, is considered one of the greatest wingers in rugby history. Despite being diagnosed with a kidney disorder, he scored 37 tries in 63 tests for the All Blacks between 1994 and 2002.