Yip Pin Xiu claims bronze in 200m free at Para Swimming World Series in Australia

In her first competition since winning two gold medals at the Paris Paralympics in August 2024, Singapore swimmer Yip Pin Xiu clinched a bronze at the Para Swimming World Series' Australia leg on Feb 14.

At the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Yip, who competes in the S2 classification, clocked 4min 57.58sec in the women's 200m freestyle multi-class final, an event which she seldom competes in.

Earning 850 points, she finished behind S14-classified Australians Madeleine McTernan (2:17.23, 873 points) and Ruby Storm (2:18.74, 852 points).

Yip, a seven-gold Paralympian, said: "I don't normally race in the 200m freestyle event but I think today, between the heats and the final I had some improvements that my coach and I were really happy with.

"This being my first race after Paris is a really good start so that I'll be ready for the world championships in September."

The World Para Swimming Championships will be held at Singapore's OCBC Aquatic Centre from Sept 21-27, marking the first time that it is staged in Asia.

The World Series employs the multi-class point system where swimmers are awarded points after their results are compared with the world record for their classification.

The closer the time is to the relevant record, the higher the points.

Yip's coach Mick Massey added: "The 200m freestyle was an excellent result, as both the heat and final times show that our training efforts are paying off and it is a great confidence booster.

"The start of a new cycle is about getting back to basics. We've placed a big emphasis on the psychological aspect, preparing mentally for the journey ahead."

Yip will next compete in the women's 100m back multi-class event on Feb 16.

Five other Singapore swimmers - Wong Zhi Wei, Danielle Moi, Sophie Soon, Colin Soon and Darren Chan - are also in Melbourne for their first competition of the year.

The team will look ahead to competing next at the series' Japan leg from April 10-12.