VIVE LA MARY JIBB: BRACEBRIDGE PARA SWIMMER FINISHES IN TOP 10 THREE TIMES IN PARIS FINALS

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

BRACEBRIDGE — Troi bravos!

Mary Jibb is “the talk of the town,” as Bracebridge celebrated her first Paralympics successes Friday after three finals along with top 10 finishes in all four of her races — including personal best in the 100 butterfly.

“A huge congratulations to Mary Jibb for her outstanding 100m Butterfly S9 race, finishing 8th place in a fast time of 1:13.60!” the Muskoka Aquatics Club (where she trains) posted on its FB page after watching and celebrating all her races.

“Over the past 4 days, Mary has made Canada proud, finishing TOP 10 in every race she competed, and qualified for finals on 3 occasions!

“Back home, Mary has been the talk of the town. Muskoka has enjoyed cheering her and Team Canada every step of the way. Mary, we couldn’t be more thrilled with your achievements and results! Here’s to celebrating your amazing accomplishments and the bright future ahead.

“Three cheers for Mary!!!”

The Muskoka Aquatics Club was thrilled with Mary’s eighth place finish that lit up their FB page Friday.

The 17-year-old Bracebridge swimmer finished 5th in the100m Backstroke (Women S9); 7th in the 200m IM (Women SM9); and 8th in the 100m Butterfly (Women S9),

She’s the daughter of OPP officer Darcy Jibb and her mom Mary Jibb.

Your final race brought me to tears, that big breath you took when you got out on deck,” commented Taude Plexman with a series of happy face emojis. “The biggest audience in the world for swimming, and there you are competing!!! The most incredible accomplishment, congratulations Mary, you rocked it!!!”

This year Jibb made a spectacular international debut at the Para World Series event in Indianapolis, her Paralympics bio says. She won the bronze medal in the open SM9 100m breaststroke and in the youth events took gold in the 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley. She also set a Canadian record in the 50 butterfly.

A few weeks later she solidified her nomination to her first Paralympic Games team at the Para swimming Paralympic Games Trials in Toronto.

At age 5 Jibb suffered a left basal ganglia stroke with focal vasculitis which left her with physical impairments.

In her Paralympics debut, 17-year-old Mary Jibb, of Bracebridge, had a personal best in the 100 butterfly and made the finals in three of four competitions over four days in Paris that also resulted in three top 10 finishes. Photo Paralympic Games

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