Boki wins 21st gold medal to become most decorated Paralympic swimmer

Belarusian swimmer Ihar Boki has won his fifth gold at the Paris Paralympics.

In the 200m Individual Medley SM13, he finished first setting a new world record of 2:02:03.

Alex Portal from France was second, and Vladimir Sotnikov from Russia clinched bronze.

Earlier, Ihar Boki won the 100m Butterfly and the 100m Backstroke, the 400m Freestyle, and the 50m Freestyle. All in all, now the Belarusian Paralympic legend has 21 gold medals under his belt. At his first Paralympic Games, which were the 2012 London Paralympics, the Belarusian athlete won five gold medals. Later on he added six golds at Rio 2016 and five golds at Tokyo 2020 to his medal tally.

By now, neutral athletes from Belarus have won six gold medals in France. Earlier on Tuesday, Belarus’ Yahor Shchalkanau won the 100m Backstroke - S9. 


It was really easy for me in the qualifications. I didn’t perform at the top of my ability, I decided to just get a feel of the heat. And in the evening I was determined to try to set a record. Yet, a new record is eight seconds away. I was thinking – was it even possible? What could be done for that? I felt like I would not pull it off! So I must admit, I was flabbergasted when I did it.

Finally, all the competitions are over. What emotions are you feeling now?

Relief, euphoria, fatigue. Now I want to get a good night’s sleep.

This is the first Paralympics where you finished performing a few days before the closing of the Games. Surely, you are happy to have the opportunity to simply enjoy yourself.

Indeed, this is the first such time. I have never been to Paris before, so I am planning to go on tours to see the city’s iconic places with the guys from the team. Before the start of the competitions, I didn't want to go anywhere. It was much more important to focus on my performance. And now it's time to relax.

On 4 September Para swimmers Maksim Vashkevich and Dzmitry Salei will compete in the Men’s 100m Freestyle -S12, and Uladzislau Hryb will try to show the top of his game in the Men’s Club Throw.

By now, neutral athletes from Belarus have won six gold medals. Earlier on Tuesday, Belarus’ Yahor Shchalkanau won the 100m Backstroke - S9. 

Photo courtesy by Sports Panorama