Disability Sport Wales
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru

Roberts Completes Hat-Trick in 100 Free

David Roberts broke his own Paralympic record for the second time today to win his third consecutive gold in the men’s 100m freestyle (S7), his first of the 2008 Games and the second of the day for ParalympicGB’s swimmers.

Roberts dominated the race from start to finish, winning in 1:00.35.

“I have won that title three times in a row and I hope there is more to come,” said said the 28-year-old who aims to win four golds in the Water Cube to bring his Paralympic medal tally to 11.

“I always said I would take one medal at a time and I am happy to win the first one.”

The Welshman had earlier smashed the Paralympic record of 1:01.65 he set in 2004 when winning his heat in 1:00.82.

“I did want to go 59s but I got the gold and it’s a unique feeling to be able to call yourself a Paralympic champion.”

The gold is Roberts’ 13th Paralympic medal since 2000 when he made his Games debut.

Sports Council for Wales Chair Philip Carling explained:

“David is such a good ambassador for Welsh sport. This is the eighth gold medal of his career which is a staggering achievement. This is just the start of his Beijing campaign – I am sure we will see more medals from him over the coming days.

“Wales has got off to a flying start. It’s only day two and, already, we have amassed three gold medals. Wales look set to keep up their reputation as a successful Paralympic sporting nation.”

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