Polish swimmer Kamil Otowski delivered a historic performance at the Paris Paralympics, securing Poland’s first gold medal of the games. Competing in the 100-meter backstroke in the S1 category, Otowski finished the race with a clear lead, clocking in at 2:17.85.
The event marked Poland’s glorious start at the Paralympics with Otowski leading the race right from the outset, finishing a significant 16 seconds ahead of Ukraine’s Anton Kol, who claimed the silver. The bronze went to Francesco Betella of Italy.
Kamil Otowski zdobył złoty medal w pływaniu na igrzyskach paralimpijskich w Paryżu 2024! 🥇
— Polsat Sport (@polsatsport) August 29, 2024
Polski zawodnik wygrał wyścig na 100 metrów stylem grzbietowym (S1) 👏#Paralympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/ZqdsH9F5wn
This victory not only represents a personal triumph for the 24-year-old athlete but also adds a golden layer to Poland’s growing list of accolades in Paralympic sports. Three years ago, at the Tokyo Paralympics, Poland won a total of 24 medals, including seven golds, which placed them 17th in the overall country rankings.
The Paris Paralympics, set to conclude on September 8th, features around 4,400 athletes from 168 countries, competing in 22 sports disciplines for a total of 549 medal sets. Poland has sent a robust team of 84 athletes, hopeful to build on their past successes and make a significant impact on the games. Otowski’s early gold might just be the spark needed for an inspiring Polish performance in Paris.