Dazzling Dunn and GB podium domination

Great Britain’s Reece Dunn continued his remarkable debut season as an elite Para swimmer by taking gold on the opening day of the London 2019 World Para Swimming Allianz Championships. As well as leading the medal charge, he set a new world record beating the one he only set in June.

The 23-year-old Brit finished more than two seconds ahead of teammates Tom Hamer and Jordan Catchpole. The three British swimmers swept the podium in the men’s 200m freestyle S14 class event to the delight of a packed crowd at the London Aquatics Centre.

“I went into that final with a massive attitude of trying to improve on the time I did in Berlin a few months ago,” Dunn said after clocking 1:52.96.

“It was quite important to make a big impression, especially with this being my first major international with the team, so I’m feeling positive vibes.”

Speaking to commentators this morning, Tom Hamer said, ‘its all pretty sensational” and “there’s nothing better than being on the podium, and looking up to you’re family and friends, there’s no better feeling’, he went on to say ‘To have the three of us on the podium together, I’ve never experienced that before, it’s pretty great.”

Responding to being named ‘one to watch’ Jordan Catchpole said “It’s just something they’ve named me, I’m not going to put pressure on myself, I’m here to enjoy it, home crowds, and am going to do what I can do.’

Day 1 also saw medal performances from Britains ladies (S14 class), with Bethany Firth and Jessica Jane-Applegate taking silver and bronze respectively in the 200m free.

The World Para Swimming Championships continue in London until 15th September.

You can follow all the action live on More 4 or on Channel 4’s Paralympic channel online.

Livestream is available online

For schedule and results click here.