Paralympic champion Ben Hance playfully asserted his dominance over rivals after coming close to a world record in the men’s 100m backstroke multi-class final during the Australian trials.
Just hours after setting a new world record in the heats with a stunning time of 56.35 seconds, Hance provided a preview of what his competitors can expect at the para-swimming world championships this September.
In Adelaide, the Australian star easily surpassed the qualifying time of 1:01.08, finishing the final in 56.62 seconds on Friday evening.
His nearest competitor, Ricky Betar, finished with a time of 1:00.28, also qualifying for the world titles in the 100m backstroke.
Hance’s pathway to securing four consecutive Paralympic gold medals has been laid bare for his adversaries, particularly those he raced against on Friday.
“It was an incredible meet,” Hance remarked to Nine after the race.
“That race felt perfect. I glanced at the scoreboard before switching it off as I dove into the water.”
The swimmer then turned his attention to Declan Budd, who placed fourth in the heats.
“I’ve already etched my name on the gold medal, sorry lads,” Hance quipped to Budd.
“Look, the 100 back is definitely mine. You can take the 100 fly.”
Betar was next on Hance’s radar.
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Ben Hance speaks to Nine following his victory in the 100m backstroke final. Nine
“You can take the 200 IM (individual medley),” Hance, 24, told Betar as they shook hands.
“Australia will snatch all the golds.”
“But the 100m backstroke is definitely mine, sorry blokes.”
Hance then exited the interview area.
“And there you have it. The hierarchy is established. We’re out now. That’s a mic drop moment,” remarked Giaan Rooney.
On Friday night, Hance was among the athletes announced as part of the Dolphins team for the world para-swimming championships scheduled in Singapore from September 21-27.
Dolphins Team for World Para-Swimming Championships
Emily Beecroft, Ricky Betar, Lewis Bishop, Rackley Hibiscus, Declan Budd, Rowan Crothers, Thomas Gallagher, Jasmine Greenwood, Brenden Hall, Benjamin Hance, Timothy Hodge, Jack Ireland, Ahmed Kelly, Alexa Leary, Paige Leonhardt, Jake Michel, Chloe Osborn, Grant Patterson, Lakeisha Patterson, Col Pearse, Alex Saffy, Callum Simpson, Alexander Tuckfield, Harrison Vig, Rachael Watson, Poppy Wilson
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