Julia Shishova, a student of the SSU Institute of  Sports and Physical Education, has won bronze medal of the XVI Paralympic Summer Games in Tokyo: she showed the third result in the women’s 50m backstroke S3. Its participants are athletes with serious limb disorders, including severe cerebral palsy and multiple amputations.

By the age of 24, the athlete, who represented Russia in international competitions of the highest level, has many honourary titles – from Master of Sports of International Class to the multiple prize winner of the European Aquatics Championships for people MSDs.

The Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation Oleg Matytsin and the Rector of Saratov University Aleksei Chumachenko congratulated Julia on her victory.

In his address, the minister noted, ‘Russian swimmers continue to delight us with their results at the 2020 Paralympics. Julia confidently performed in the finals and deservedly became one of the Paralympic prize winners. Congratulations to the coaches of the national team and the Russian Paralympic Committee!’

Aleksei Chumachenko, in turn, emphasised, ‘The bronze medal at world-class competitions shows not only high professionalism but also proves that athletes always develop, that they can overcome any trials with dignity and turn them into new conquered heights. Huge strength of mind and inexhaustible will to win make you admire this young and fragile girl. Julia by her own example inspires us again and again and proves that nothing is impossible in this world. On behalf of the entire staff of the university, I congratulate our student on a well-deserved victory!’

The XVI Paralympic Summer Games will end in Tokyo on September 5. 4,400 people take part in competitions in 22 kinds of sports.