1st World Para Finswimming: An ideal start
The World Underwater Federation organized the 1st World Para Finswimming Championship in the weekend 18 and 19 November in the city of Lignano, Italy.
The swimming pool of Lignano was filled with happy faces and people with special skills who gave their best trying to achieve their personal goal. A special championship where participation is more important than performance.
Finally, many congratulations are due to the Italian Federation (FIPSAS) for the great effort made to organize such a demanding championship. Special mention must go to the judges, assistants and volunteers who gave their best.
Below you can find the statements of some of the participants of the event
Bronwen Schofield (Australia)
As my first international competition I wasn't sure what to expect, especially as this is also the first competition of this kind, it was a great atmosphere and everyone was very kind and helpful, and I had a fantastic time, and was very excited to achieve both Australian records and world records along with some fantastic swim times, with several personal bests.
Eleonora Guasconi (Italy)
This first experience was impactful, above all because we saw the beginning of something that will surely grow over time. Participating in this first edition of the Freediving and Finswimming Parasport World Championship was a unique emotion, as it allowed me, among other things, to measure against athletes from other nations. I am sure that future editions will prove increasingly successful, allowing everyone to enjoy stunning experiences.
Katia Aere (Italy)
By participating in this event, each of us contributed to writing the history of international Paralympic Finswimming and Freediving. From a personal point of view, they were three intense and incredible days... which started even before I entered the water with the reading of the "Athlete's Oath" and as Italy's flag-bearer. Once in the water, I discovered again, through sport, the intensity of experimenting and testing my limits, but above unleashing my potential, as I found myself actually having fun engaging in those very specialities where I still have a lot to learn and which, in all honesty, on the eve of the event had me worried me quite a bite. Obviously (for me), I am referring to freediving. The foundation stone has been laid and with commitment and foresight, the international Paralympic movement of Finswimming and Freediving can only grow further.
Amira Maisarah (Malaysia)
I am very happy to have won 1 gold and 3 bronze in this championship. Thanks to Malaysia Underwater Sports Federation for selecting me to this event & thanks to everyone in my journey.
Aisya Humairah (Malaysia)
I can't believe that with my disability, I can make 4 world record! I am very happy on this achievement. Really appreciate CMAS world underwater federation for organising this championship. It's good platform for people to recognize me. Thank you to my national federation, Malaysia Underwater Sports Federation and my parents for supporting me in this journey
