Paris Paralympics, Men’s 200m Freestyle Swimming (Motor Function Impairment S4) Final (3rd, La Défense Arena)

Takayuki Suzuki (37) – Goldwin Bronze Medal

By modifying his form, he compensated for his aging-related physical decline. Suzuki, 37, won the bronze medal in the men’s 200m freestyle in 2 minutes 55.17 seconds. Compared to his silver medal at the Tokyo Games three years ago, his time was only 0.02 seconds slower, and he proudly stated, “I’m glad that my perseverance has paid off.”

For Suzuki, who is missing his right arm from the elbow down, the key is how he uses his left arm. After the Tokyo Olympics, he started raising the position of his left arm when strokes. By catching the water further forward, he aims to increase propulsion, prevent his body from sinking, and reduce resistance.