Aurelie Rivard sets world record

Aurelie Rivard sets world record

TORONTO _ Aurelie Rivard swam a world record breaking time in the S10 100-meter freestyle to win a record sixth gold medal Friday night as Canada’s Para-swimming team wrapped up its most successful Parapan American Games ever.

“It don’t know where that came from,” said a shocked Rivard after seeing her time of 59.17 seconds.

Setting a world record was something Rivard imagined at next year’s Paralympic Games in Rio de Janerio, not in her seventh swim in six days at the Parapan Am Games.

“That was one of my long-term goals . . . but not at Parapans and especially on the last day,” said the 19-year-old from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., who was born missing her left hand.

“I’m tired, really tired. Physically it’s been a tough summer. I still can’t believe it. I was dying in the last few meters. I was trying to kick but my legs felt so heavy. When I touched the wall it took me a couple of seconds to realize it.”

The six individual gold medals are the most by any Canadian woman in individual events at a single Parapan Am Games.

“I’m just so glad to do it at home,” said Rivard, who also won a silver. “I’m just super excited about it. All the effort I spent is really worth it.”

A loud, flag-waving crowd roared when Rivard touched the wall, breaking the old record of 59.77 seconds set in April by Sophie Pascoe of New Zealand.

Samantha Ryan, of Saskatoon, was sixth in 1:08.43.

Rivard’s win was one of four gold on the final day of swimming. Nicolas Turbide, S11-13 100-meter butterfly: Justine Morrier, S14 200-m individual medley; and Tess Routliffe, S7 women’s 100-meter backstroke, all won races.

Canadian swimmers won 13 medals on the day (four gold, six silver, three bronze) and finished the Games with 91 (24-39-28).

Brazil topped the medal table with 104 (38-29-37).