World Series 2025: USA trio and Williams steal spotlight as season closes in Lima

The Para Swimming World Series Lima 2025 concluded in the weekend (25 October) after three days of competition at the Videna Aquatic Centre, bringing to an end an exciting and wide-reaching season that spanned four continents.

As the eighth and final stop of the 2025 circuit, the Peruvian capital provided a fitting stage for athletes to deliver final statements in a year defined by high-level performances, breakthrough talents and the growing global reach of Para swimming.

The event witnessed swimmers from across the Americas, Europe and Asia, with the United States, Great Britain, Indonesia and Russia emerging as the leading nations. The three-day programme featured strong showings in both men’s and women’s events, with several athletes claiming multiple gold medals to close the season on a high.

American dominance

The United States once again proved its depth, led by standout performances from Taylor Winnett, Summer Schmit, and Lawrence Sapp.

Winnett (S10) enjoyed a stellar campaign in Lima, claiming three gold medals in the 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke and 100m butterfly, making her one of the most successful athletes of the meet.

Schmit (S9) secured two gold medals — in the women’s 100m and 400m freestyle — demonstrating her versatility across distances and confirming her place among the world’s most consistent swimmers. 

Sapp (S14), a Paralympian in the S14 class, added two more titles to Team USA’s tally, winning in the men’s 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly. 

Alongside strong supporting performances from Piper Sadowski and Gray Rutledge, the American delegation left Lima as the most decorated team, with seven golds, four silver, and three bronze medals.

The last day of the Para Swimming World Series Lima 2025 had #TeamUSA 🇺🇸 & #TeamGB 🇬🇧 grabbing two gold medals each.

🥇 The hosts #TeamPeru 🇵🇪 had their national anthem played with Micaela Apaestegui winning in the women’s 50m freestyle. pic.twitter.com/IVJz9dXdf7

— Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) October 26, 2025

Great Britain’s strength

Great Britain also finished the season in impressive form, powered by Rose Williams and Ursula Carroll. 

Williams (S14/SM14) was the standout performer of the meet, winning three gold medals — in the women’s 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke, and 200m medley. Her consistency throughout the season and dominance in Lima underlined her position among the most complete swimmers on the circuit.

Carroll (SB13) added another layer to Britain’s success with victories in the 100m breaststroke and strong performances across other events. Alongside Evie Lambert and Isabella Haynes, who also reached the podium, Great Britain reaffirmed its tradition of excellence in women’s Para swimming.

Indonesia’s continued rise

Indonesia celebrated one of its strongest international showings to date, confirming its growing status as a regional power in Para swimming. 

Jendi Pangabean (S9) led the way with double gold in the men’s 50m butterfly and 50m backstroke, while the men’s 50m breaststroke saw a clean sweep for the nation, with Bayu Putra Yuda (SB9), Zaki Zulkarnain (SB9) and M Gerry Pahker (SB6) taking gold, silver and bronze respectively. 

On the women’s side, Siti Alfiah (SB6) added a title in the 50m breaststroke, rounding out a strong team effort.

Argentina’s Joaquin Leiva (S9) enjoyed a brilliant meet with two gold medals — in the men’s 50m and 100m freestyle — as well as two bronze medals in the men’s 100m butterfly and 200m medley.

Peru celebrated a memorable home victory as Micaela Apaestegui (S9) won the women’s 50m freestyle in front of local crowd.

Check out the full results of the Para Swimming World Series Lima 2025 here.

🔗 Check out the full results of #Lima2025: https://t.co/FDfey7Ta5o#ParaSwimming #WorldSeries2025 pic.twitter.com/f53MsHEIG5

— Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) October 26, 2025

A season across continents

The Para Swimming World Series 2025 has taken athletes on a global journey, offering eight stages across four continents and showcasing the diversity and competitiveness of the sport. 

The season began in February in Melbourne (Australia), where several world champions opened their campaigns with strong performances in the Southern Hemisphere.

From there, the circuit moved to Europe, with Lignano Sabbiadoro (Italy) and Barcelona (Spain) hosting packed fields in March, setting the tone for the rest of the year with thrilling races and new personal bests.

In April, the Series travelled to Fuji-Shizuoka (Japan) and Indianapolis (United States), underlining Para swimming’s global appeal, as rising stars shared the spotlight with established champions. 

The Paris leg in May, held at the same venue that hosted the Para swimming events of the Paris 2024 Games, bridged the Paralympic cycle with the sport’s next chapter.

The journey continued to Guadalajara (Mexico) in June, where athletes from across the Americas gathered for the final stage before the World Championships in Singapore. 

After a brief pause following that global event, the circuit found its conclusion in Lima (Peru) — a new and enthusiastic host nation, where the final medals of the season were decided.