Dolphins create Australian swimming history in Portugal

The 21 strong World Para Swimming Championship squad have swum their way into the history books, becoming the first ever Australian travelling swim team where every eligible athlete will bring back a medal to Aussie soil. 

The inspirational team secured thirty-one medals including seven gold, fifteen silver and nine bronze over the seven-day competition in exotic island Madeira and finished seventh on the overall medal tally against the best in the world. 

One World Record, three Oceanic Records and Four Championship records were smashed as the team continued their strong form from last year’s Tokyo Paralympics. The average finals placing was just outside a bronze medal which is a promising improvement on the last World Para Swimming Championships where the average was fifth place. 

Headlining the Championships was the male athlete with the most individual gold medal, Rowan Crothers, who also cemented himself as the fastest freestyle sprinter with a disability in the world for 2022. 

Fellow Dolphins Para-athlete Leader Katja Dedekind was also the athlete with the most individual gold medals and provided some of the most iconic moments of the Championships.  

The whole team built a strong culture over the tour, with all continuing to be great ambassadors for our country, inside and outside the pool, while inspiring the next generation of Australians with a disability to do their best. 

The impressive Australian World Championship performances position the team in a great place over the next two-year Paralympic cycle. 

Australians can stream all the finals action free on the 7 plus app.

All Medals are as follows: