Dublin 2018: Marc Evers targets sixth European title

Dutch swimmer is one of fastest swimmers in S14 category 11 Aug 2018 By IPC

Marc Evers seeks to add a sixth continental gold to his personal haul when he takes part in the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships in Dublin, Ireland, between 13 and 19 August.

Netherlands’ two-time Paralympic champion has had an eventful year so far. Evers competed in four World Series stages, achieving multiple wins to finish in eighth place in the overall standings. He also participated in three national events looking to reach his best form ahead of Dublin 2018.

On the penultimate day of competition (18 August), Evers will swim the men’s 100m butterfly S14. Although it is not his favourite event, the Dutch swimmer can still cause an upset.

The four-time world champion will also compete in the 100m breaststroke SB14, 100m backstroke S14 and 200m individual medley SM14.

Ones to Watch

Another Dutch Paralympic champion competing on day six is Lisa Kruger, who will swim the women’s 200m individual medley SM10.

Italy will be hopeful of landing golds through five-time Mexico City 2017 world champion Carlotta Gilli (women’s 100m freestyle S13) and 2017 World Series winner Monica Boggioni (women’s 50m freestyle S5).

Also keep an eye on Ukraine’s five-time Paralympic champion Maksym Krypak while he takes part in the men’s 100m individual medley SM10.

The women’s 100m butterfly S14 will see a British showdown with Paralympic gold medallists Jessica-Jane Applegate and Bethany Firth taking on 2018 World Series champion Louise Fiddes.

Another top Brit competing will be three-time Paralympic gold medallist Oliver Hynd in the men’s 400m freestyle S9.

Spain’s Rio 2016 champion Nuria Marques Soto will be another swimmer to look out for in the women’s 400m freestyle S9.

Dublin 2018 is Ireland’s first major Para sport event and will gather 400 athletes from 37 countries who will compete at the 2,500-seater National Aquatics Centre.

Visit the Paralympics Ireland website to buy tickets  for the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships.