Bel Dabic (Bunbury Swimming Club, c: Mickie Castieau) represented Australia last week at the world’s largest elite sports event for athletes with an intellectual impairment, Virtus Global Games. This year the games were held in Vichy, France and brought together 48 countries and over 1000 athletes, who competed in various categories including intellectual impairment, Down syndrome and autism (ii categories 1, 2 and 3).
Throughout the week-long competition, Dabic had the incredible opportunity to share the pool with world champions, para-athletes, and fellow competitors from across the globe.
Undeterred by the tough competition, Dabic competed in eight heats, eight finals and four relays over the course of the event.
Early in the week, Dabic secured a silver medal in the 50m backstroke and contributed to her team’s success by clinching another Silver in the 4x100m mixed freestyle relay. She achieved a personal best in the 200m freestyle, shaving off 2.21 seconds and finishing fourth.
Reflecting on her experience, Dabic expressed her gratitude for being part of the Australian Team at the Virtus Global Games. "Being part of this Australian Team has been a great experience. I was so happy to make lots of new friends and connections. We were all soon just like a family," she said. Dabic embraced the challenges of the event, including the 12-hour days at the pool, jet lag, and adapting to a busy team environment.
For Dabic, the pinnacle of the competition was the golden moment she and her teammates shared on the last day. In the gripping relay race, Australia went head-to-head with their hosts, the French team. Despite the French team's initial lead, with both their male competitors swimming first in the mixed relay, the Australian team united and showed determination. By giving their absolute best and never giving up, they managed to clinch victory by a touch.
The exhilaration of standing on the podium, listening to the Australian Anthem, and knowing their efforts had led to this golden moment was an indescribable feeling for Dabic. She described it as the best feeling, one she would forever cherish. "This whole experience is one I will never forget and one I am very grateful to everyone who was involved in organising it and everyone who helped me prepare," she expressed.
Overall, it was an exceptionally successful week for Bel, who not only took home four international medals but also had a truly memorable experience as part of the team. Swimming WA is extremely proud of Bel’s achievements as this serves as an inspiration to aspiring swimmers of all abilities to excel on an international level.
