Day six at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre is all about the backstrokers, with Brenden Hall, Tim Hodge and Ellie Cole competing in the men’s and women’s 100m back (S9) events.
Having watched his teammates dive in over the last five days, this marks Hodge’s first hit-out in the competition pool and there’s no doubt he’ll be eager to make a splash in his favoured race. In 2019 Hodge nabbed bronze at the World Para Champs and currently sits fifth in the world rankings after recording a time of 1:03.40 at Trials in Adelaide. Meanwhile, having placed fourth in the Men’s 400m Freestyle (S9) event on day one, Hall is also ranked within the current top ten and will relish to chance to try and make another final.
Rio Paralympic champion, Ellie Cole, is back in action on Monday, this time in the Women’s 100m Backstroke (S9). After placing fourth in the 400m free (S9) earlier in the week, the 29-year-old will have tough competition from her respected rival across the ditch, Sophie Pascoe. Both athletes will also have to fight hard against their USA and Spanish counterparts who sit atop the rankings.
In the final event of the day Australia will also field a team in the Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay (34 points).
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By: Danielle Balales, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 30 August 2021