Bocciardo and Gilli save Italy’s blushes


Trademark: Gabriel Geraldo dos Santos Araujo of Brazil spits out water after winning the men’s S2 100m backstroke. — Reuters

PARIS: Francesco Bocciardo and Carlotta Gilli launched much-fancied Italy’s search for multiple swimming golds at the Paralympics as they both defended their titles on Thursday.

Bocciardo, 30, who has a condition which impacts movement in his legs, powered to a Paralympic record in the men’s 200m freestyle S5 in the penultimate race of the opening day of pool action at the La Defense Arena, Paris.

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