Enzo Messence, an athlete from Futebol Clube de Ferreiras, set four new national records and was present in two finals at the World Series Paraswimming, the adapted swimming world championship, which took place in Lignano, Italy, from 9 to 12 March.
In all, the young swimmer from Albufeira took part in seven events, on his trip to Italy, «where he improved all his personal records», according to Ferreiras.
More than that, the athlete from the club from Albufeira managed to break national records in adapted swimming in the 50 and 100 meters freestyle and in the 50 and 100 meters butterfly, in the latter case, twice: in the elimination round and again in the final.
After participating in the 9-metre freestyle and 100-metre breaststroke events on the 100th, Enzo Messence competed in his first Youth final on the 10th, in the 200-metre freestyle, after also having competed in the 50-metre freestyle.
On the 11th, the Ferreiras athlete competed in the 50 meter butterfly and 200 meter freestyle events, but it was on the last day of the event that he managed to qualify for a new final, the 100 meter butterfly.
Orlando Encarnação, coach of Enzo Messence, stressed that «the balance was excellent. Enzo improved in all the races he participated in. We were always with the National Adapted Swimming Team, where we always had the support of the entire Portuguese delegation. This was a very rewarding and enriching experience, as we could feel what a world-class Adapted Swimming competition is like. Enzo had an exemplary behavior, commitment and focus».
On a personal note, said the technician, «it was a great lesson», which allowed the acquisition of «knowledge that would never be possible outside this environment».
«Enzo's path is just beginning and it wouldn't be possible without the work carried out by all the athletes, coaches and members of the club, in particular Sónia Demétrio who coordinates the swimming section of the club and sponsors Quinta do Mel and Algarexperience who provide the much-needed monetary support for these competitions», according to Ferreiras.
Comments