ZAC RETAINS BUTTERFLY GOLD AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN TURKEY

Isle of Wight swimmer Zac Lacey has retained his 200m T21 butterfly title in a hard-fought race at the 2024 World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Turkey today (Monday). The competition, held in Antalya, is the pinnacle for swimmers with Down Syndrome. In last year’s iteration – held in Portugal – Zac bagged a total of 5 medals, 1 gold and 4 silver – as previously reported by Island Echo. In the race that took place this afternoon, Zac powered home to finish ahead of Mexican Steven Arellano and Portuguese Joao Vaz. 2023 was a busy year for Zac who received 10 individual and 3 team relay, podium medals. Zac, a local talented athlete, has become an experienced member of Down Syndrome Swimming Great Britain (DSS-GB) over the last 7 years. His efforts not only in the water, but also his hard work at training camps and helping to develop younger swimmers within the squad, has been recognised by the Outgoing Head Coach of DSS-GB, Keith Hall. He awarded Zac the DSS-GB Swimmer of the Year trophy for 2023.