Paralympic swimmer Dimosthenis Michalentzakis has won gold at the Madeira 2020 European Para Swimming Open Championships – not once, but three times in one week.
The 22-year-old placed first in the 50-metre freestyle with a time of 26.84.
He faced a tough challenge from Russia’s Andrei Nikoklaev, who was second, and Ukraine’s Denys Dubrov third.
“I am satisfied with my result, but I wanted to do a better time,” he said after the race.
“That’s why I have to keep moving towards Tokyo. I am focused in every race and I will continue doing my best.”
He also came first in the 100-metre freestyle and 100-metre butterfly.
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo Dimosthenis Michalentzakis!
Michalentzakis started swimming at the age of four as part of his physiotherapy treatment for the paralysis he has in his upper right limb.
In 2015 he received a sporting achievement award from the Greek Paralympic Committee and in 2016 won gold in the 100-metre butterfly at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Michalentzakis is ready for the upcoming 16th Summer Paralympic Games, scheduled to be held in Tokyo between 24 August and 5 September 2021.
