Hynd breaks eight year world record for ParalympicsGB

Ollie Hynd of Nova Centurion continued his great form from the heats to win gold in the Men’s SM8 200m Individual Medley on the last day of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Hynd wasn’t the only ParalympicsGB swimmer to celebrate a gold medal on day ten. Hannah Russell took an S12 50m Freestyle gold and Bethany Firth took gold in the S14 200m Individual Medley.

Hynd broke the world record set by Peter Leek in the Beijing 2008 Games, which has been unbeaten for the past eight years. The 21-year-old was the defending Paralympic champion in this event, and he wasted no time laying down his intentions in the final.

Despite a strong challenge by Maodang Song of China, Hynd maintained his composure and at the final turn, Hynd powered his way to the finish to claim his second gold of Rio 2016 with a time of 2:20.01.

Hynd said: “I’ve been chasing that world record for a while and to get it here is just incredible. It’s the biggest stage of all, I’m a bit lost for words.

“I knew it was going to be close, but I’m just really happy that I’ve got a world record.

“I’m really proud, I wanted to come in and smash my best times and I have. I hope that some kids are at home watching this and are inspired by that.”

Millward makes it four with 200m IM silver

Stephanie Millward of Corsham ASC swam a strong race in the Women’s SM8 200m IM. She swam a Paralympic record in the heats, which put her as one of the favourites for a medal coming into this final.

The silver medallist in this event from London 2012 went out strong. She was up against Jessica Long of the USA who had her eyes firmly set on gold. Although Millward had a good lead on the rest of the field, she could not catch Long. She touched in 2:43.03 for silver.

Millward commented: “I’m absolutely over the moon. I’ve got two golds, a silver and two bronzes and I’ve loved these Games, they have been fantastic.

“I never expected to have such a successful Games. I’ve done the training, I’ve done the work so I should have believed in myself, but you never do until it happens. It has been a wonderful experience.”

Image credit: SwPix

Top