Dublin 2018: Paralympic champions duel on day one

A fantastic duel between two Paralympic champions will catch everyone’s attention when the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships kick off in Dublin on 13 August. London 2012 gold medallist Maja Reichard will face teenage sensation and two-time Rio 2016 champion Liesette Bruinsma in the women’s 50m freestyle S11.

The last time they swam against each other in this event at a major international competition was at the 2016 Paralympic Games. Back then, the Swede claimed silver and Bruinsma took bronze.

But the Dutch swimmer outperformed her rival in all remaining events they shared in Rio.

It will not be the only race to look out for on day one of competition though.

There will be a highly-competitive Dutch contest in the women’s 100m breaststroke SB9 with Rio 2016 bronze medallist Chantalle Zijderveld facing Paralympic champion Lisa Kruger.

Another swimmer to keep an eye on is Belarus’ most decorated Paralympian Ihar Boki, who will compete in the men’s 100m butterfly S13.

Other ones to watch are Ukraine’s two-time Rio 2016 gold medallist Denis Dubrov, who will swim the men’s 100m breaststroke SB9, and Spain’s Paralympic bronze medallist Maria Delgado Nadal, who will jump into the pool for the women’s 400m freestyle S12.

The hosts will see James Scully (men’s 200m freestyle S5), Ailbhe Kelly (women’s 200m individual medley SM8) and Nicole Turner (women’s 50m freestyle S6) in action.

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.