Popham Scores Silver Medal and New PB on World Champs Debut

WA athlete Ben Popham has won a silver medal on debut at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships in London.

 

The 19 year-old Arena clubman coached by Simon Redmond produced a powerful back 50 to nearly swim over the top of new world champion Dimosthenis Michalentzakis (GRE) who ultimately touched for gold in 57.69.

 

Popham’s time of 57.89 represented a new personal best and the teen star was elated with his swim post-race.

 

“I feel incredible, I really found out what I could improve on in the heats and I nailed exactly that, I went out a little bit harder but came home just as strong – I’m stoked, absolutely stoked,” he said.

 

“I wasn’t expecting to do a PB, I was hoping for a 58 mid which has turned into a 57 high, so I’m really surprised and probably in shock a little bit.”

 

 

Popham was one of three medallists for Australia on the opening night of the championships which is the final major swimming meet before next year’s Tokyo Paralympic Games.

 

Speaking of his Tokyo ambitions, Popham said he didn’t think he would break the 58 second barrier until next year’s Paralympics, but he’s now got very good reason to reassess those goals.

 

“I thought 57 would definitely be for Tokyo, but God we’re looking strong now.

 

“We’re all good, we’re firing on all cylinders.”

 

The new-generation talent is one of two WA representatives wearing the green and gold in London, with Popham joining team veteran Jeremy McClure.

 

McClure – a four time Australian Paralympian will swim in the final of the men’s 100m backstroke S11 on Tuesday night after setting the sixth fastest time in morning qualifying.

 

His time of 1:12.51 was a new Oceania record for good measure.