Mexico City 2017: Daniel Dias vs. Thanh Tung Vo

Vietnam’s most decorated swimmer aims to dethrone Brazil’s Paralympic legend 26 Nov 2017
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two male Para swimmers smile on the podium

Dias (L) will be looking to hold off the challenge of Vo yet again

ⒸGetty Images
By IPC

The proverb which says “If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again” may very well apply to Vietnam’s Thanh Tung Vo. After years being overshadowed by Daniel Dias’ success, the five-time Asian swimming champion is hoping to finally defeat the Brazilian legend at the Mexico City 2017 World Championships, from 2-7 December.

They have been facing each other at major competitions since the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and Dias was always the one finishing first.

At last year’s Paralympics, Dias and Vo starred in the men’s 50m freestyle S5, with Brazil’s most decorated Para athlete in history clocking 32.78 to finish ahead of Vo (33.94), who won his country’s first Paralympic medal ever in the sport.

In Mexico City, they will swim against each other in the men’s 50m freestyle S4-5, 100m freestyle S1-5 and 50m backstroke S5; with Vo aiming to conclude this endless losing streak against the Brazilian and reach the top of the podium.

Head to Head

PERSONAL INFO

Dias: Nationality: Brazil. Age: 29

Vo: Nationality: Vietnam. Age: 32

PARALYMPIC GAMES

Dias: Games: 3 (2008, 2012, 2016)

Medals: 24 (14 golds, 7 silvers, 3 bronze)

Vo: Games: 2 (2012, 2016)

Medals: 1 (1 silver)

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Dias: Championships: 4 (2006, 2010, 2013, 2015)

Medals: 28 (24 golds, 6 silvers)

Vo: Championships: 1 (2015)

Medals: 1 (1 bronze)

DID YOU KNOW?

Dias: In 2014 he established the Daniel Dias Institute in Braganca Paulista, Brazil, which aims to support new Para athletes as they take up the sport.

Vo: Was named Vietnam's Most Outstanding Paralympic Athlete of the Year in 2014 after winning five golds at the Asian Para Games in Incheon, South Korea

All Head to Heads can be found on Mexico City 2017’s website.