The medal Ceremony was exceptional. Donovan sat beside Bozun Yang, he beside Mohamed. Yang held both their hands and in English said” We are not at war, we are friends” I was taken both by his English and sincerity. Donovan received his medal first; standing proudly, medal around his neck, cane in 1 hand, and flowers in the other. Before Yang stepped forward to receive his silver medal he was guided to Donovan, whom he embraced. He then received his medal and flowers to wild cheers from the Chinese crowd. The march off saw more of Yang’s colorful antics; he donned a cape, kissed his flowers and threw them into the crowd.

Then off walked three men who had swum their hearts out to win Paralympics recognition.

This capped a hard fought evening. The preliminaries were a cat and mouse game, no one wanting to show their finals strategy. To be frank I have been concerned over the last 6 months as to how fast the winning time was to be and had estimated between 4:36-4:38. In the morning Yang had done his first 100 meters in 1:03 and the decayed but swam a 4:44. Mohamed had coasted as had Smyrnov at 4:55, Donovan was at 4:57. The final was to be between these four men. Yang set an early pace but was soon passed by Mohamed. Donovan was in touch finishing the 200 in 2:15, but could not stay with Mohamed and Yang. The last 100 was anxiety provoking as his old nemesis, Smyrnov started to make a move. It was too little too late and for once in the Paralympics Donovan had beaten the much bigger and stronger man. His finishing time was well off his best time but we had gambled on going for gold with the fast first half, which he could not hold.

Tomorrow is the 100 free. Again he will have to find a way to the final as he did in the fly, as the field is very deep.

He swims in 11 hours. Hydration, and rest are now in order.