Gaby Smith (Vikings and University of Queensland) has gotten our New Zealand team’s campaign off to an excellent start on the first day of racing at the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships.

The 19-year-old was the only New Zealand swimmer in action on the opening day of competition in Singapore. She contested the women’s 100m breaststroke SB9, with the race a straight final held in the evening session.

Smith swam from lane three in the final. She got away to a good start from the blocks to surface in fourth after the pullout. Lisa Kruger (Netherlands) set the early pace through the opening lap to establish a lead, with Smith in sixth at the turn. Smith upped her tempo through the third 25m to move into third place before she produced a barnstorming finish over the last quarter of the race to move into second on the wall.

Kruger (1:15.71) won the gold medal, with Smith producing a personal best (1:19.56) for the silver and Elizaveta Sidorenko (Neutral Athlete - 1:20.27) the bronze. It is the first medal Smith has won at the pinnacle international level.

Smith was delighted with her performance in the final.

“I am really proud of that race. It definitely has taken a lot to get here, it's been a while since a 100m breaststroke PB, so I'm very happy with it. My coach at home and I have been working really hard to get the pacing and technique right, so very happy that I could put on a show for my team, my family and friends, and do the race right”

Smith touched on what it feels like to become a world championship medallist.

“A world champs silver medal never hurt anyone! Very excited for it to be my first world championships medal – a long time coming!”

The whole New Zealand team erupted in celebration at the finish as they cheered the first medal of our Aquablacks' campaign in Singapore.

Swimming NZ’s Paralympic Head Coach, Simon Mayne, was thrilled with Smith’s race.

“What a great start to the first world champs of the LA 2028 cycle. On day one in our first race to achieve a personal best and silver medal. I am really proud to be collaborating with a mature athlete who really understands the process of swimming faster.”

Congratulations to Smith on her maiden medal at a World Para Swimming Championships, as well as to her coach David Heyden and wider support team.

Smith Strikes Silver to Open Singapore Campaign
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https://www.swimmingnz.org/post/smith-wins-silver-medal-on-opening-day-in-singapore

Article added: Monday 22 September 2025