**2018 World Para Swimming European Championships – Men’s 50 Metres Breaststroke**
**Definition**
The Men’s 50 metres breaststroke at the 2018 World Para Swimming European Championships was a competitive swimming event for male para-athletes, held as part of the broader European championships for para swimming. The event featured swimmers classified according to their physical impairments, competing over a short-distance breaststroke race.
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## Overview
The 2018 World Para Swimming European Championships took place from August 13 to August 19, 2018, at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin, Ireland. This championship was one of the premier events in para swimming, bringing together elite athletes from across Europe to compete in various swimming disciplines and classifications. The Men’s 50 metres breaststroke was among the featured events, showcasing speed and technique in a sprint breaststroke race.
The competition was organized under the governance of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which oversees para swimming classifications and ensures fair competition among athletes with different types and degrees of physical impairments. The event was divided into multiple classification categories, reflecting the functional abilities of the swimmers.
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## Classification System
Para swimming classifications are designed to create a level playing field by grouping athletes with similar physical abilities. For breaststroke events, classifications range from SB1 to SB9 for physical impairments, with lower numbers indicating more severe activity limitations. Additionally, there are classifications for visual impairments (SB11-SB13) and intellectual impairments (SB14).
In the Men’s 50 metres breaststroke at the 2018 European Championships, multiple classification finals were held, each awarding medals to the top three finishers. This system allows athletes with different types of impairments to compete fairly within their classification.
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## Event Format
The Men’s 50 metres breaststroke event was conducted in a short-course pool (50 meters in length). The competition format typically included heats followed by finals, depending on the number of participants in each classification. Swimmers competed to qualify for the final rounds, where medals were awarded based on finishing times.
The 50 metres breaststroke is a sprint event requiring explosive power, precise technique, and efficient breathing patterns. It is one of the shortest breaststroke distances contested in para swimming championships, emphasizing speed and quick starts.
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## Results Summary
The 2018 World Para Swimming European Championships featured several classification finals for the Men’s 50 metres breaststroke. Each classification final produced medalists who demonstrated exceptional skill and competitive spirit.
### Notable Performances
– **SB3 Classification:** This category includes swimmers with severe physical impairments affecting their legs, trunk, and hands. The gold medalist in this classification demonstrated remarkable upper body strength and technique to secure victory.
– **SB4 and SB5 Classifications:** These categories featured athletes with moderate physical impairments. The races were closely contested, with winning times reflecting the high level of competition.
– **SB9 Classification:** This classification includes swimmers with minimal physical impairments. The final in this category was particularly competitive, with athletes posting fast times close to those seen in able-bodied swimming events.
Each classification final contributed to the overall medal tally for participating nations, with countries such as Ukraine, Great Britain, Russia, and Italy traditionally performing strongly in para swimming events.
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## Significance of the Event
The Men’s 50 metres breaststroke at the 2018 World Para Swimming European Championships was significant for several reasons:
– **Showcasing Talent:** The event highlighted the abilities of para swimmers across Europe, providing a platform for athletes to compete at a high level and gain international recognition.
– **Preparation for Paralympics:** As a major continental championship, the event served as an important preparatory competition for athletes aiming to qualify for the Paralympic Games.
– **Promoting Para Sports:** The championships helped raise awareness of para swimming and the achievements of athletes with disabilities, contributing to greater inclusivity in sports.
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## Legacy and Impact
The 2018 European Championships, including the Men’s 50 metres breaststroke events, contributed to the ongoing development of para swimming in Europe. The performances and records set during the competition inspired younger athletes and helped national federations to invest further in training and development programs.
The event also reinforced the importance of classification systems in ensuring fair competition and highlighted the need for continued research and refinement of classification criteria.
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## Conclusion
The Men’s 50 metres breaststroke at the 2018 World Para Swimming European Championships was a key event within a prestigious continental competition. Featuring multiple classification finals, the event showcased the speed, skill, and determination of Europe’s top para swimmers. It played a vital role in the athletes’ competitive calendar and contributed to the growth and visibility of para swimming across the continent.
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**Meta Description:**
The Men’s 50 metres breaststroke at the 2018 World Para Swimming European Championships featured elite para swimmers competing across multiple classifications, highlighting speed and skill in a premier European event.