Kratochvil powers to swimming gold

Czechia’s David Kratochvil showed his swimming class as he won the first gold in the pool at the European Para Youth Games in Istanbul.

Kratochvil, who won the S11 400m freestyle gold at the Paralympic Games in Paris last year, triumphed in the boys 100m freestyle final.

“I was happy with the race, but my time was a little bit worse than I hoped,” said the 18-year-old. “I was hoping to go a bit faster.

“But it’s another gold medal. That’s fine, I’m so happy. Each medal is brilliant but, for me, it’s also important to have a good race technically.

“It doesn’t have to be a personal record every time. We’ll see if I do the 400m free here. I’ll see how I feel tomorrow.”

Ukraine’s Artem Oliinyk struck double gold in the pool at the Cebeci Sports Complex, triumphing in the boys 50m butterfly before returning minutes later to win the 200m freestyle.

Esra Yuce celebrated Turkiye's first gold in the pool winning the girls 50m butterfly while Italy ended the first day of swimming action with victory in the Mixed 4x100m medley.

In the wheelchair basketball, star man Alessandro Sbuelz led the way for Italy who opened with a double victory.

Sbuelz hit 17 points, and was well-supported by Cristiano Uras (16 points) and Luigi Topo who scored 14 points, as they beat the Netherlands 80-42.

And in their next game, Sbuelz contributed 22 points as the gold medal favourites saw off France 64-19.

The record-breaking Istanbul 2025 European Para Youth Games officially open on 24 July and run until 27 July. They will feature a record 640 athletes with 1,200 competitors, coaches and team staff from 33 countries, also the biggest ever number, competing in Para archery, Para athletics, wheelchair basketball, boccia, goalball, Para judo, Para swimming, Para table tennis and Para taekwondo.

Participants will also get to experience the Discovery Programme where they will have the chance to take part in education and experiences in a broad range of topics, including activities designed to immerse the people of Istanbul in EPYG and to get to know Para sport.