Shireen Sapiro Explained

Shireen Sapiro
Fullname:Shireen Sapiro
Nicknames:Reen
Nationality:South African
Strokes:Backstroke
Club:St Andrews Dragons Seagulls Swimming Club
Birth Date:25 January 1991
Birth Place:Krugersdorp, South Africa
Show-Medals:yes

Shireen Sapiro (born 25 January 1991 in Krugersdorp) is a South African Paralympic swimmer, most notable for her performance at the 2008 Summer Paralympics, winning a gold medal for the 100 m backstroke. She also claimed a bronze medal at the London 2012 Paralympics in the 100m backstroke.

On 9 April 2004, Sapiro was seriously injured in a waterskiing accident which resulted in her left leg being paralysed.[1]

At the 2009 Maccabiah Games, Sapiro was appointed flag bearer for the South African delegation at the opening ceremony. While Sapiro generally competes in Paralympic events, she competed in the open competition of the swimming events against able-bodied swimmers.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Telkom Swimming - When Dreams beckon and success calls . Rollinginspiration.co.za . 1991-01-25 . 2012-09-06.
  2. News: Raphael . Ahren . Diehard South African swimmer takes the 'dis' out of 'disabled' . Ha'aretz . 27 July 2009.