Eindhoven 2014: Day one athlete flashquotes

“It was better than I expected coming back after illness. So I am very happy to be here and I have to enjoy today because of the medal but also because I am here again in the competition."

Sarai Gascon, Spain, European champion and new European record holder, women’s 50m freestyle S5

“It’s my best time and a new record so I am very happy.”

Elena Krawzow, Germany, European champion and new European record holder, women’s 100m breaststroke SB13

“I don’t know what my time was. Was it a European record?!”

Teresa Perales, Spain, European champion, women’s 100m freestyle S5

“It was better than I expected coming back after illness. So I am very happy to be here and I have to enjoy today because of the medal but also because I am here again in the competition."

Susannah Rodgers, Great Britain, European champion, women’s 400m freestyle S7

“It was one of those ones where you don’t know what is going to happen. I had a race plan and I’m pleased with how it went. It was a good time. We are going in the right direction.

“I am looking forward to the 50m free tomorrow and I’ve got quite a lot of events.

“I love it here, I think it’s a great country.”

Karolina Pelendritou, Cyprus, European champion, women’s 100m breaststroke SB12

“I expected to win.”

Maija Reichard, Sweden, European champion, women’s 100m breaststroke SB11

“It’s really nice, I am so happy. My swim wasn’t as good as I had hoped but to win a European Championships is good and I am satisfied.

“I am going for a medal in the 200m medley next.”

Eleanor Simmonds, Great Britain, European champion, women’s 400m freestyle S6

“Really happy to get gold, it was a rubbish swim, not happy with the time.”

The 2014 IPC Swimming European Championships continue until 10 August and feature around 380 of the world’s best swimmers from 37 countries.

Tickets are still available at the Eindhoven 2014 event website, as well as high quality photos of the event.

All morning and evening sessions will be livestreamed at ParalympicSport.TV and live results will be available at www.eindhoven2014.com/schedule-results.

Live updates will be posted to IPC Swimming's Facebook and Twitter or search #Eindhoven2014.