Luis Andrade ready to make a splash on World Series debut

Five-time world bronze medallist Luis Andrade will kick off the season when he competes in the year’s second World Para Swimming World Series in Indianapolis, USA, between 19 and 21 April.

It will be the World Series debut for the 23-year-old, who will swim the men’s 50m backstroke S8, 50m breaststroke SB8, 50m and 100m butterfly S8, and 50m and 100m freestyle S8.

“I am feeling really well and very excited about competing at a World Series event for the first time in my career,” the Mexican said. “I know I will do really well!

“I used to think that I was different, but when I came into Para sport, I realised that we are many. There are thousands of people with impairment, we are not alone."

“My goals are to lower my times in each of the events, especially in the freestyle races where I feel more confident.”

Andrade, who had his left arm amputated after he was involved in a car accident at six years old, last competed at his home Worlds in Mexico City, where he sealed four bronze; a major improvement on his one bronze from Glasgow in 2014.

He has become one of the most famous faces in Mexican Para swimming after being chosen to light the cauldron at the Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, in 2011. Andrade was named three times Sportsman of the Year in his home state of Baja California.

In 2016, he also received the ‘Sports Merit Award’ in his country due to his good performance at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where he took two diplomas after ending fifth in the 100m butterfly S8 and eighth in the 100m freestyle S8.

After competing at the World Series, he will start preparing for his big goals ahead of the next two years: the Lima 2019 Parapans and Tokyo 2020.

But apart from the medals and the success in the pool, Andrade is grateful for what swimming has given him throughout his life.

"I never thought I would visit so many countries, win so many medals, and meet so many people who support me and who are my equal,” he said.

“I used to think that I was different, but when I came into Para sport, I realised that we are many. There are thousands of people with impairment, we are not alone."

The second World Para Swimming World Series will take place in Indianapolis, USA, between 19 and 21 April.

Live results will be available on World Para Swimming’s website.