Swimmer Kevin Paul Of SA Wins Gold

South African swimmer Kevin Paul has won a gold medal on Day 1 of the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Kevin Paul and Denys Dubrov competing for the gold (Photo courtesy of Bob Martin/EPA)

Competing in the Men’s 100m breaststroke, Paul started in the fourth lane after going strong in the heats leading up to the final race. With a strong start off the block and a good streamline under the water, Paul lead the race. However, Ukrainian Denys Dubrov on Paul’s right in lane 3 and Duncan Van Haaren of the Nederlands in lane 5 were catching up to the South African with a good pace.

Dubrov touched the wall first ahead of Paul at the 50m mark and Paul was put under pressure as the white cap of the Ukrainian had the advantage over him. However, in the final 15m, Dubrov and Paul were neck-and-neck, with Paul giving it all he had.

Just 8 years on from winning his first Paralympic medal, Paul reclaimed the title he lost in the 2012 London games in a thrilling finish just outside of World Record time at 1.04.86, just 0.0.24 milliseconds ahead of Dubrov. Paul won gold, Dubrov won the silver and Van Haaren claimed the bronze.

The 2016 Rio de Janiero games will continue until 18 September.