Maisie Summers-Newton claims second Tokyo gold with 100m breaststroke victory

British swimmer Maisie Summers-Newton once again outshone idol Ellie Simmonds as she claimed her second gold of the Tokyo Games.

The 19-year-old clinched the SB6 100m breaststroke title with a Paralympic record and lifetime best of one minute 32.34 seconds.

GB’s opening-ceremony flagbearer Simmonds, whose exploits at London 2012 inspired her teenage team-mate, missed a podium place after finishing fourth, 7.6 seconds off the pace.

© PA Wire Great Britain’s Maisie Summers-Newton celebrates winning gold (Tim Goode/PA) - PA Wire

China’s Daomin Liu took silver and American Sophia Herzog claimed bronze, clocking 1min 33.30secs and 1min 36.06secs respectively.

Games debutant Summers-Newton picked up her maiden Paralympic gold on Thursday, taking the SM6 200m individual medley crown from five-time gold medallist Simmonds, who was fifth on that occasion.

The Northampton swimmer admits her successes have exceeded expectations.

She said: “I’d hoped for the first one in the individual medley but to get two, it’s just what dreams are made of isn’t it, really?

“Just incredible obviously, I have no words. I don’t think this one has sunk in as much as the medley because I really, really wanted it, so this one is just the icing on the cake definitely.”

Summers-Newton and Simmonds are set to compete together again in the S6 400m freestyle on Thursday.

Asked how her more experienced team-mate is, Summers-Newton replied: “Oh yeah, she’s fine.

“I think Ellie’s here – I don’t want to speak on behalf of her – but I think obviously she’s here for her fourth games just to really enjoy it and just to be with the team. I think that’s what everyone aims for.

“She’s inspired people like me and I’m sure all the other athletes here. 

Reference: Independent: Ed Elliot