Sebastian Massabie swam a Canadian national record time to a close fifth-place finish in the men’s 100m freestyle (S4) at the 2024 Paralympic Games, on Friday at Paris.
The Surrey, B.C. native finished in 1:23.80, behind the gold medal mark of 1:20.25, set by Ami Amer Dadoan, or Israel. Takayuki Suzuki, of Japan, and Angel de Jesus Camacho Ramirez, of Mexico, took silver and bronze.
Massabie, 19, posted the fourth fastest qualifying time at 1:23.80 seconds earlier in the day.
“This was a great day,” said Massabie, who trains with the Pacific Sea Wolves. “I can’t wait for my other races.”
Before arriving in Paris, Massabie broke six Canadian records, and a world record, including the 50m freestyle and 50 butterfly, to qualify for his first Paralympic Games team.
He also set national marks in the 200m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke, and 150m individual medley.
Friday’s race was the first of four events for Massabie in Paris.
Looking forward, he’s set to compete in the men’s 200m freestyle on Sept. 3, the mixed 4x50m freestyle relay on Sept. 5, and the men’s 50m freestyle on Sept.6.
