Paris Paralympics: Singapore's defending champion Yip Pin Xiu tops 100m backstroke S2 heats, advances to final

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Yip Pin Xiu has qualified for the 100m backstroke S2 final at the Paris Paralympics after topping the heats on Thursday (Aug 29).

The defending champion clocked a time of 2:18.19 and finished in first place overall. This was close to four seconds faster than her closest competitor.

The top eight swimmers from the two heats advanced to the final.

Yip, 32, took gold in the event at the 2016 and 2020 Paralympics.

She is also the current world record holder in the event, as well as the 50m backstroke S2.

A five-time Paralympic gold medallist, Yip will compete in the finals of the 100m backstroke S2 on Friday at 12.10am Singapore time. 

She is among three Team Singapore para swimmers who have qualified for this year’s Games. Toh Wei Soong and Sophie Soon will also take to the pool later in the meet.

In total, 10 Team Singapore para-athletes will compete in six sports at the Paralympics: Boccia, archery, shooting, swimming, equestrian and athletics (shot put).

Catch Team Singapore at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 live and on-demand on mewatch for free at mewatch.sg/paris2024.