Japan Wins 8 Golds at Para Swimming World Series
At the foot of Mount Fuji, Japan's para swimmers dominated the World Series with eight gold medals while Spain's Teresa Perales set a world record. Athletes from 29 nations competed in three days of inspiring races that showcased the best of para swimming.
Standing in front of their home crowd at the Shizuoka Prefectural Pool, Japan's para swimmers put on a show that won't soon be forgotten.
The Para Swimming World Series Fuji-Shizuoka 2026 brought together 264 athletes from 29 nations for three days of competition at the foot of Mount Fuji. Japan claimed eight of the 22 gold medals on offer, the most of any competing nation as they prepare to host the Asian Para Games this October.
Naohide Yamaguchi led the charge with two gold medals in the 100m freestyle and 100m breaststroke. The reigning Paralympic and world champion finished his breaststroke race just 0.39 seconds above his own world record, thrilling the home crowd.
Paris 2024 bronze medallist Aira Kinoshita added two more golds for Japan in the 100m breaststroke and 200m individual medley. At 39 years old, three-time Paralympic champion Takayuki Suzuki proved experience counts by winning the 50m breaststroke.
Spain's Teresa Perales made history on the opening day by setting a world record in the women's 150m individual medley SM3 with a time of 4:17.71. The seven-time Paralympic champion was the only athlete to break a world record during the competition.
Colombia's celebrated TrÃo de Oro brought home four gold medals between them. Nelson Crispin Corzo, Carlos Serrano, and Sara Vargas delivered across all three days, with Vargas claiming two individual golds and standing out as one of the most decorated athletes of the entire meet.
Hong Kong's Yui Lam Chan dominated her events with two gold medals in the 200m individual medley and 100m butterfly. Poland's Oliwia Jablonska, Thailand's rising stars, and the Philippines' Angel Mae Otom all topped their respective podiums.
Why This Inspires
These athletes aren't just breaking records and winning medals. They're showing the world what's possible when determination meets opportunity, competing at the highest level while inspiring the next generation of para swimmers watching from the stands and at home.
The competition serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the World Para Swimming European Championships in Kocaeli, Turkey, scheduled for September. Athletes now head to Guadalajara, Mexico for the final World Series stop before that defining moment.
With 22 gold medals awarded and countless personal bests achieved, Fuji-Shizuoka 2026 proved that para swimming continues to reach new heights.
Based on reporting by Google: Paralympic champion
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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