Deaf Today: Parkin claims gold in individual medley in Melbourne

January 10, 2005

Parkin claims gold in individual medley in Melbourne

From: The Mercury, South Africa - Jan 10, 2005

Johannesburg: Terence Parkin and the Gauteng-based Lessing brothers, Nick and Greg, increased the momentum of Team SA's medal challenge at the 20th Deaflympics in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday.

KwaZulu Natal-based Parkin - fresh from setting a Deaflympic 400m freestyle and deaf 50m breaststroke world record on Saturday - claimed gold in the individual medley event in 2 min 11.46 secs, before teaming up with Nick Lessing, Greg Lessing and Marko Jansen to claim the 4x200m relay honours in 8:03.03.

Greg Lessing continued to create waves of success for Team SA, in winning the 200m backstroke in 2:08.54, with Nick Lessing finishing second in 2:14.00.

By the end of the fourth day's action at the Deaflympics, Team SA's medal tally stood at a total of six (five gold, one silver).

Team SA Chef de Mission Tony Heyns said sports-loving South Africans had reason to be proud of the swimmers' performances.

He thanked the National Lottery Board for its financial input, which made it possible for Team SA to compete with distinction at the Deaflympics.