Paralympic Champions Complete Sprint Sweep At World Swimming Titles

Two-time Paralympic Games gold medallist Rowan Crothers has produced an Oceania record time to retain his 50m freestyle S10 world championship crown, edging out countryman and reigning Paralympic champion in the event, Tom Gallagher, on the opening day in Singapore.

Crothers’ win and Gallagher’s silver were the features of a strong start to the 2025 World Championships, with another Paris 2024 champion, Callum Simpson, claiming bronze in the 400m freestyle S8.

Crothers’ win, in 23.21s, was particularly sweet as he had been navigating a back injury for the previous six weeks. Gallagher finished in 23.46s, a quarter of a second behind, and another Australian, Alex Tuckfield, placed fifth.

Simpson’s bronze in the 400m was achieved in an Oceania record time of 4:25.76, lowering the 4:27.17 Simpson posted in heats. Paralympic champion Alberto Amodeo from Italy took the 400m freestyle S8 world title in a championship record time of 4:23.27, followed by Neutral Athlete Andrei Nikolaev in second (4:24.06).

“It was a tough race and I’m glad to have put it together the way I did,” Simpson said.
“Leading into Worlds, I’ve pushed myself that extra bit further because I wasn’t happy with my times in Paris.

“To come away with an outcome like that, I couldn’t be more proud of myself. It’s given me a heap of confidence … knowing I have this endurance, which gives me reassurance for my 100m race in a few days’ time.”

Rookie Declan Budd finished sixth overall (1:56.64) in the men’s 200m freestyle S14 and was stoked he got a front row seat to the world record swim of 1:51.08 set by champion William Ellard of Great Britain.

“It’s just amazing to be here at World Champs, to be in the Australian team and to make it into a final, I’m really happy about that,” Budd said. “Plus, to swim against the world record holder (Will Ellard) and Jack (Ireland), that was just awesome.

“Jack is someone that I looked up to growing up and now we’re team together and racing it’s so cool. Hopefully, one day we can get on the podium together.”

Ireland posted a season best time of 1:54.30 in what was his only event for the meet but just fell short of the 200m freestyle medals. Canada’s Nicholas Bennett edged out the Ireland in the final 50m to win bronze (1:53.97) and Brazil’s Gabriel Bandeira placed second (1:52.03).

Full results here: https://www.paralympic.org/swimming/live-results

Photo: Delly Carr

By: Swimming Australia
Published: 22 September 2025