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World Series 2025: Paralympic greats headline Paris meet
Paris 2024 champions including local stars Ugo Didier and Emeline Pierre return to French waters as 217 athletes from 47 countries are set to compete at the Dôme Saint Germain en Laye from 2 to 4 May 30 Apr 2025
The 2025 edition of the Para Swimming World Series in France will bring together 217 athletes from 47 countries over three days of elite competition at the Dome Saint Germain en Laye, in Paris.
Scheduled from 2 to 4 May, the event marks the return of the international Para swimming community to the French capital less than a year after the Paralympic Games.
With its strategic calendar placement, the meet is expected to serve as the penultimate key checkpoint for athletes preparing for the Singapore 2025 World Para Swimming Championships.
The French leg remains one of the most prestigious stops on the World Series circuit, offering a high-level competitive environment combined with strong local support and top-tier facilities.
For many athletes, the event also offers an opportunity to revisit the site of some of their most defining moments from the 2024 Paralympics — this time, with new goals in sight.
Shining on home soil
France will be represented by a 25-athlete delegation, the largest team in the competition.
Among them are standout names who left a lasting impact at the last Paralympic Games: Ugo Didier and Emeline Pierre.
ILS SONT PRÊTS ⚡️
— FFHandisport (@FFHandisport) April 28, 2025
À partir de ce vendredi, Saint-Germain-en-Laye accueillera la Para Swimming World Series !
Une opportunité exceptionnelle de revivre les émotions des Jeux de Paris 2024 !
Billetterie👉https://t.co/KgP6t9QbwO#WorldSeriesFrance pic.twitter.com/ue55kZkiCz
Both athletes emerged as Paralympic champions in Paris and now return to their home venue not only as competitors but as national sporting figures with elevated profiles.
Didier (S9/SM9), who claimed gold in the men’s 200m freestyle S9 at the Paralympics, is expected to compete in four events over the weekend – the men’s 100m and 400m freestyle, 100m backstroke, and 200m medley.
Known for his consistent progression and powerful finishes, he has become a central figure in French Para swimming and a role model for younger athletes in the team.
Emeline Pierre (S10) also achieved a breakthrough performance during the Games, capturing gold in the women’s 100m backstroke S10 and earning widespread recognition for her determination and composure under pressure.
As Didier, Pierre will also dive into the Dome’s pool competing in four events – women’s 100m and 400m freestyle, 100m backstroke, and 100m butterfly.
Alongside Didier and Pierre, a few other key members of the French squad will be in action. Brothers Alex (S13) and Kylian Portal (S12), who delivered one of the most emotional moments of Paris 2024 by sharing the podium with a silver and bronze, returned to the competition with strong international experience.
Laurent Chardard (S6), a double bronze medallist at the Paralympic Games, will bring depth to the men’s sprint events while Paralympic champion Elodie Lorandi (S10/SM10) adds further strength and leadership to the roster.
The second day of action in the Para Swimming World Series USA 2025 had the home squad wrapping up gold medals!
— Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) April 26, 2025
🥇 🇺🇸 USA grabbed five golds while 🇮🇹 Italy and 🇧🇷 Brazil triumphed once each at IU Natatorium in Indianapolis. pic.twitter.com/9NbDJMz5jM
International stars
While France leads the way in terms of delegation size, Ukraine with 12 swimmers and Poland with 11 are other two nations with the largest contingents.
Ukraine will be led by Iaroslav Denysenko (S12), a two-time Paralympic champion, who will compete in the men’s 50m and 100m freestyle, as well as the 100m backstroke over the weekend.
Poland's charge is spearheaded by three-time Paralympic medallist Oliwia Jablonska (S10) who will compete in the women’s 100m and 400m freestyle, and 200m individual medley.
Several other Paralympic champions from the Paris 2024 Games will also return to French waters representing their respective countries.
Among them are Brazil’s Gabriel Araújo, Great Britain’s Alice Tai, and a strong Dutch trio composed of Liesette Bruinsma, Lisa Kruger, and Rogier Dorsman.
Hungary will be represented by Paralympic gold medallists Fanni Illes, Zsofia Konkoly, and Bianka Pap, while Germany’s Josia Topf and the Czech Republic’s David Kratochvil also add star power to a truly global lineup.
The Para Swimming World Series France 2025 will be live streamed on the French Para Swimming Federation YouTube channel.
