Estonia's Keira Rattur defends world title at Down syndrome swimming worlds in Portugal

Estonian swimmer Keira Rattur has defended her world title in the 50-meter breaststroke at the 12th World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Albufeira, Portugal, winning gold in 46.33 seconds. It is her second gold of the championships and her third medal in three days.

On Sunday Rattur took bronze in the 200 meters, and on Monday she won the 100-meter breaststroke. Her tally now stands at two golds and one bronze.

"I gave it my all, I'm super happy!" she said after the race.

Coach Eili Paap said the defense tactics had gone to plan. According to her, Rattur came to Portugal to defend the title and succeeded, with everything going well technically. Paap said the swimmer had again shown she is among the world's best swimmers with Down syndrome.

Mariia Ageeva, competing under a neutral flag, took silver in 50.52 seconds. Portugal's Matilde Lucia Gaspar won bronze in 51.06.

Other Estonians

Other Estonian athletes also competed. Eric Tött finished sixth in the 100m backstroke in 1:30.42. Kaspar Paul Loik was 12th in the 200m individual medley in 3:28.13 and 14th in the 100m backstroke in 1:35.39. Hardi Pais placed 12th in the 50m breaststroke in 46.37.

About the championships

A total of 172 swimmers from 24 countries are taking part in Albufeira. The competition began on October 30 and runs until Friday. Wednesday is a rest day, and racing resumes on Thursday.