Francesco Bocciardo and Carlotta Gilli save Italy’s blushes at start of Paralympic swimming

PARIS – Francesco Bocciardo and Carlotta Gilli launched much-fancied Italy’s search for multiple swimming golds at the Paris Paralympics as they both retained their titles on Aug 29.

Bocciardo, 30, who has a condition which impacts movement in his legs, powered to a Games record in the men’s 200m freestyle S5 in the penultimate race of the opening day of pool action at Paris La Defense Arena.

Partially sighted Gilli, 23, was as impressive taking the women’s 100m butterfly S13 after Italy had started the 15-final session sluggishly before clinching eight medals overall.

“Carlotta has inspired me. She gave me the power to say I want to win, like she has done before me,” Bocciardo said.

“It’s important for us, for our federation, to always be at the top. It will help other people, and put publicity focused on Paralympic sport.

“Only with communication is it possible to spread the right message and reach children with disabilities who don’t practise sport for the moment.”

The early glory, however, was emphatically taken by Frenchman Ugo Didier and Brazilian Gabrielzinho in front of a vocal crowd.

Didier edged Italian world champion Simone Barlaam in the 400m freestyle S9, producing similar frenzied scenes to the Olympics and Leon Marchand’s successful display at the arena.

“It was unbelievable, the cheering for me helped me a lot. I don’t think I could have done it without the crowd,” the emotional 22-year-old said.

“I think I will never swim with that type of crowd again. These are happy tears. It’s been hard and now it’s over. The pressure is off.”

Gabriel Araujo, known as Gabrielzinho, claimed gold in the men’s 100m backstroke S2.

The 22-year-old, who has no arms or hands and atrophied legs, celebrated his third Paralympic gold by blowing a puff of water from his mouth, to become an instant crowd favourite.

Gabrielzinho turned silver in the event in Tokyo into gold. He will have four other chances for a medal in the French capital, including defending his 50m backstroke S2 title on Aug 31.

“This was the most difficult of my races in Paris,” he said.

“So to win gold is great and now I’m focused on the other events.”

Another highlight was Britain’s Poppy Maskill breaking a world record in the women’s 100m butterfly S14. China’s Chen Yi also claimed a world mark, as she won the women’s 50m freestyle S10.

Compatriot Jiang Yuyan took the women’s 50m freestyle S6, as the Chinese team clinched two swimming golds on the opening day.

Ihar Boki claimed the first gold medal of the Games for the Neutral Paralympic Athletes’ team as he pipped home favourite Alex Portal in the 100m butterfly S13.

Belarussian Boki, who is visually impaired, is the world and Paralympic record holder and added a 17th Paralympic gold to his career haul, after making his debut in London 12 years ago.

Monica Boggioni completed Italy’s impressive display, securing bronze in the final race of the day as she finished third in the women’s 200m freestyle S5 won by Britain’s Tully Kearney. AFP