Nicolas-Guy Turbide in the hunt for gold after para- swimming qualifying

He and three other Canadians look to join Aurelie Rivard atop the podium in London

Nicolas Guy-Turbide qualified for the finals of the men's 100m backstroke S13. Turbide claimed bronze in this event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics  SWIM CANADA TWITTER

LONDON —  Although there was an unusual start to his world championships, Nicolas-Guy Turbide still secured his spot in Tuesday’s evening final session on Day Two of the 2019 Para Swimming World Championships here at the London Aquatic Centre.

Turbide notched the second fastest time in qualifying (1:00.45) in the men’s 100-metre backstroke S13.

The 22-year-old was not fazed by an unorthodox start to his week across the Atlantic.

“It was unusual for me because usually this race is scheduled later in the event,” said Turbide, who claimed bronze at the 2016 Paralympic games in Rio. “It didn’t throw off my routine though, I just needed to adapt mentally and prepare for the atmosphere during the race.

“First event — Day Two — it prepares you for every situation after that so it felt good.”

Last year at the Pan Pacific Championships, the Quebec City-native set a Canadian record and finished first with a time of 59.28.

In Tuesday’s final, all Turbide can focus on is himself and eclipsing that mark.

“My goal tonight is for a personal best,” said Turbide. “I can’t control what the other swimmers do so that’s all I can focus on and I’d be very proud if I was able to do that.”

Three other Canadians will join Turbide on his quest to reach the podium on Tuesday.

Alexander Elliot finished with the third fastest time in qualifying (2:14.82) in the men’s 200m individual medley SM10, narrowly missing his personal best set back in April at the Canadian Swim Trials.

Elliot’s world championships kicked off Monday in the 50m freestyle S10 where he placed eighth.

With a full day underway the 23-year-old is enjoying the moment at the London Aquatics Centre.

“This morning was a lot less stressful,” said Elliot, in his post-swim media availability. “I’m having fun now and getting into my grove but I’m definitely going to talk to my coach and watch the race back — work on some things for tonight.”

Danielle Dorris, the youngest member of Team Canada, claimed the sixth fastest time in the women’s 100m backstroke S8.

Dorris, who was the youngest member of Canada’s entire Paralympic team in Rio 2016, is focused on eclipsing her personal best as well as adding to her resume Tuesday night.

“I’m going to plan for a best time, but if not I’m okay with that,” said Dorris. “I’m honestly here to have fun and get more experience — really looking forward to it.”

Sabrina Duchesne finished sixth in qualifying for the women’s 400m freestyle S7, wrapping up Canada’s quest for a second medal in London.

The finals resume at 6:00p.m. GMT (1:00 EST).

Toronto Observer correspondent Gord Brown highlights day two qualifying sessions at the World Para Swim Championships in London.

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Posted: Sep 10 2019 6:28 am
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Filed under: Parasports Sports Swimming
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