Iona Winnifrith Wins Silver at Paris Paralympics

Thirteen-year-old Iona Winnifrith made history by winning a silver medal in the women's SB7 100m breaststroke at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, becoming the youngest British Paralympic medallist this century. She finished with a personal best time of 1:29.69, only behind Mariia Pavlova, who set a new world record. Winnifrith expressed her excitement and pride in her performance, noting that while she aimed for gold, she was happy with her achievement. The young swimmer, who has a form of skeletal dysplasia, previously excelled at the European Championships with multiple golds. Alongside her achievement, 14-year-old Bly Twomey also won a bronze in table tennis, marking a successful day for Britain's teenage athletes, who currently sit second in the medal table behind China. Winnifrith idolizes Ellie Simmonds, who was also 13 during her first Paralympics, highlighting the inspiration she draws from past champions.