**Swimming at the 2008 Summer Paralympics – Men’s 100 metre freestyle S7**
**Definition**
The Men’s 100 metre freestyle S7 swimming event at the 2008 Summer Paralympics was a competitive race for male athletes classified in the S7 disability category, held at the Beijing National Aquatics Center. The event featured preliminary heats and a final, determining the Paralympic champion in this classification.
—
## Overview
The Men’s 100 metre freestyle S7 event at the 2008 Summer Paralympics was part of the swimming competitions held from September 7 to September 15, 2008, at the Beijing National Aquatics Center, also known as the „Water Cube.” This event was specifically designed for athletes classified under the S7 category, which includes swimmers with physical impairments that affect their ability to perform strokes but who retain a moderate level of function.
The competition format consisted of two preliminary heats, with the swimmers posting the eight fastest times advancing to the final. The event showcased a high level of athleticism and competitive spirit among Paralympic swimmers from around the world.
—
## Classification: S7
The S7 classification in Paralympic swimming is designated for athletes with physical impairments that result in moderate limitations in leg and arm function, coordination, or muscle strength. This classification typically includes swimmers with one leg and one arm amputation on opposite sides, or those with cerebral palsy, or similar disabilities that affect their swimming performance.
Athletes in this class demonstrate a balance between functional ability and impairment, allowing for competitive racing while ensuring fair competition among swimmers with comparable levels of physical function.
—
## Venue
The event took place at the Beijing National Aquatics Center, a state-of-the-art facility constructed for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Known colloquially as the „Water Cube,” the venue featured advanced technology designed to optimize swimming performance, including temperature-controlled pools and wave-reducing lane lines.
The facility was praised for its architectural innovation and played a central role in hosting swimming events during the Games.
—
## Competition Format
The Men’s 100 metre freestyle S7 event followed the standard Paralympic swimming competition format:
– **Heats:** Two preliminary heats were conducted, with swimmers seeded based on their qualifying times. The objective was to post one of the eight fastest times overall to advance to the final.
– **Final:** The top eight swimmers from the heats competed in a single final race to determine medal placements.
The 100 metre freestyle race consists of two lengths of a 50-metre pool, swum in freestyle stroke, which is typically the front crawl.
—
## Schedule
– **Heats:** September 9, 2008, morning session
– **Final:** September 9, 2008, evening session
The scheduling allowed swimmers adequate recovery time between the preliminary heats and the final race.
—
## Participants
The event featured a diverse field of competitors representing multiple nations. A total of 15 swimmers participated, reflecting the global reach of Paralympic swimming and the inclusivity of the Games.
—
## Results
### Heats
The two heats were conducted to determine the finalists. Swimmers competed to secure one of the eight fastest times.
– **Heat 1:** Featured seven swimmers.
– **Heat 2:** Featured eight swimmers.
The fastest eight swimmers across both heats qualified for the final.
### Final
The final race determined the medalists for the event. The competition was intense, with athletes striving for Paralympic glory.
—
## Medalists
– **Gold:** David Roberts (Great Britain)
– **Silver:** Lantz Lamback (United States)
– **Bronze:** Matt Walker (Great Britain)
David Roberts secured the gold medal with a commanding performance, demonstrating his experience and skill in the S7 classification. Lantz Lamback earned silver, showcasing strong competitive form, while Matt Walker completed the podium, contributing to Great Britain’s success in the event.
—
## Notable Performances
David Roberts, a seasoned Paralympian, was a favorite going into the event due to his previous successes and world-class times. His victory in the 100 metre freestyle S7 added to his impressive medal tally and reinforced his status as one of the leading swimmers in his classification.
The close competition between Roberts and Lamback highlighted the high level of performance in the S7 category, with both swimmers pushing the limits of speed and endurance.
—
## Historical Context
The 2008 Summer Paralympics marked a significant moment in Paralympic swimming, with increased global participation and improved performance standards. The Men’s 100 metre freestyle S7 event continued to build on the legacy of previous Games, showcasing the evolution of competitive swimming for athletes with disabilities.
The Beijing Games were notable for their organization and the quality of facilities, which contributed to numerous world and Paralympic records being set across swimming events.
—
## Impact and Legacy
The performances in the Men’s 100 metre freestyle S7 at the 2008 Paralympics inspired many aspiring Paralympic swimmers and contributed to raising awareness of adaptive sports. The event demonstrated the high level of competition and athleticism present in Paralympic swimming, helping to promote inclusivity and recognition for athletes with disabilities.
The success of athletes like David Roberts also helped to increase media attention and public interest in Paralympic sports, fostering greater support and development opportunities worldwide.
—
## Summary
The Men’s 100 metre freestyle S7 at the 2008 Summer Paralympics was a highlight of the swimming program, featuring top athletes competing at the Beijing National Aquatics Center. With two heats leading to a final, the event culminated in a gold medal victory for David Roberts of Great Britain, with strong performances from Lantz Lamback and Matt Walker. The competition exemplified the spirit of the Paralympic Games, combining athletic excellence with the celebration of human resilience and determination.
—
**Meta Description:**
The Men’s 100 metre freestyle S7 swimming event at the 2008 Summer Paralympics featured top Paralympic athletes competing at the Beijing National Aquatics Center, with David Roberts winning gold. This article details the event’s classification, competition format, results, and legacy.