Canada’s Danielle Dorris clinches silver in the women’s 50-meter butterfly S5-7 final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Walnut, California, marking Canada’s first medal at the event. Despite leading throughout the race, Dorris finished in 34.42 seconds, just shy of her own world record of 32.99 seconds. However, the gold medal went to Katie Kubiak from the United States, who set a new world record in the morning preliminaries.
The event combines athletes with various impairments, and winners are determined by a points system rather than finishing order. Dorris expressed her joy at Canada’s first medal, highlighting her satisfaction with her performance despite not achieving her desired time.
In a separate event, Dorris contributed to a Canadian record in the mixed 4×100 medley relay, earning bronze alongside her teammates. Sebastian Massabie from Toronto also secured a bronze in the men’s 50-meter butterfly S5-7 final.
Nicholas Bennett claimed silver in the men’s 200 freestyle S2-5, while Ken Stroud finished as the runner-up in the men’s 100 freestyle S4-6, S8, S10, S12. The Para Pan Pacific Championships serve as a crucial stepping stone towards the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, offering valuable experience for the athletes under similar conditions.
