Swimmers ready for action to kick off in Rio

7 Sep 2016

The British swimmers have been putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games which will be culmination of four years of hard work. 

A team of 30 athletes began their final steps to Rio at the London Aquatics Centre, home to the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and arrived in the Brazilian capital at the start of September.

Sascha Kindred is the oldest member of the team and is competing at his sixth Paralympics while Abby Kane is the youngest member of ParalympicsGB and is competing at her first Games.

Ellie Simmonds is back in Paralympic action and will compete in five events throughout the ten day competition.

National Performance Director Chris Furber brings a wealth of Games experience having previously led the Para-Cycling team but is leading his first swimming team to action.

“It is all feeling very real for our athletes now as we have entered the final stages before competition begins,” Furber said.

“The camp in London, with the support of the UK Sport, was ideal preparation for us with a relaxed but hard working environment.

“The whole team has worked hard to get to this point and I know that they have taken the right steps to perform at their best on their competition day.

The team has settled into the village environment and has enjoyed training at the competition venue to acclimatise fully ahead of racing.

“The village has been great and all of the volunteers have been very welcoming,” Furber said. “The training facilities have been perfect for us and I know the athletes loved walking into the competition pool.

“Race day is almost here now and the whole team is ready for that moment when they get on the blocks. Make sure you cheer us on.”