Canada’s Danielle Dorris clinched the country’s first medal at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships by securing silver in the women’s 50-meter butterfly S5-7 final in Walnut, California. Dorris, a Paralympic champion from Moncton, N.B., finished in 34.42 seconds, just shy of her S7 world record. Despite her strong performance, she was edged out by Katie Kubiak of the United States, who set a new world record in the morning preliminaries.
Dorris, born with bilateral radial dysplasia, expressed her excitement at winning Canada’s first medal. She also led a Canadian team to a bronze medal in the mixed 4×100 medley relay, setting a new national record. Nicholas Bennett and Ken Stroud also contributed to Canada’s success, earning medals in their respective events.
The Para Pan Pacific Championships offer a unique multi-class competition where points determine the winners, not just finishing times. Dorris, at the age of 24, continues to excel in swimming despite her physical condition. The event serves as a crucial stepping stone for athletes preparing for future Paralympic Games.