Berlin to stage final World Series

The final World Series event before Mexico City 2017 kicks off in Berlin, Germany on 6 July; the last chance for some of the world’s best swimmers to gain competitive experience before the World Championships in September.

A number of Paralympic and world champions will be in attendance. Among the elite female swimmers competing are Canada’s Aurelie Rivard, the Netherlands’ Liesette Bruinsma, USA’s McKenzie Coan, Spain’s Nuria Marques Soto and Great Britain’s Bethany Firth.

Belarus’ most successful Paralympian Ihar Boki, Japan’s six-time Paralympic medallist Keiichi Kimura and the Netherlands’ Rio 2016 silver medallist Olivier van de Voort will be some of the top male swimmers competing.

Each day will include morning sessions from 9am (CEST), with the finals starting at 5pm (CEST).

The overall winners of the first World Series titles will be decided in Berlin. Four-time Paralympic champion Firth is currently leading the women’s overall rankings with 2,098 points. She is closely followed by compatriot Stephanie Millward (2,048).

Brazil’s most decorated Paralympian Daniel Dias dominates the men’s overall rankings with 2,034 points. But Chile’s Alberto Albarza (2,032) has the opportunity to overtake him over the weekend as Dias will not compete in Berlin. Brazilian swimmer Phelipe Melo (1,980) completes the top-three.

The swimmers who finish first in both men’s and women’s S/SB 1-3 High Support Needs overall rankings will also receive top honours. Canada’s Tammy Cunnington (1,518 points) and Albarza are the respective leaders at the moment.

The junior male and female World Series overall rankings are currently led by Great Britain’s Jordan Catchpole (1,910 points) and Australia’s Lakeisha Patterson (2,037), respectively. A seventh title will be awarded to the top nation. Great Britain (8,018 points) leads the way, ahead of Australia (7,800) and the USA (7,764).

Live streaming of the Berlin World Series will be made available on https://www.paralympic.org and World Para Swimming’s website.

Live results will be found on Internationale Deustche Meisterschaften (IDM)’s website.