World Record for Porter

Published On: 10 September 2008

WAIS individual scholarship holder Katrina Porter has today broken a world record in her heat for the 100m backstroke at the Beijing Paralympics.

In a fantastic swim, Porter lowered the mark with a time 1.10 seconds below the previous best set four years ago.

Porter will compete in the final against two swimmers who have previously held world records, suggesting the event could be a classic.

Head swimming Coach Brendan Keogh claimed Porter would be aware the job was not finished ahead tonight’s final.

“She’s done amazingly well but the competition here is very tough in all events, and Katrina will know that as she’s preparing for her final,” he said.

Porter will be particularly keen to fire on all cylinders after suffering a disqualification in the final of the 200m IM earlier in the meet, considered her pet event.

Porter was crowned the 2008 WAIS disabled athlete of the year at the WA Institute’s Champion’s Breakfast awards earlier this year.

The 2008 Beijing Paralympics will be telecast on ABC television with over 100 hours of action scheduled to air between September 6-17. For a full schedule of WA athlete events and times click here.