Paralympic swimmers Jess Johnstone and Judith Tortosa are advancing their training cycles to secure podium finishes at upcoming international competitions [1, 2].

These developments signal a shifting guard in para-sports as emerging athletes target established records and debut their skills on the world stage. The pursuit of these milestones reflects the intensifying competition leading toward the LA28 Games.

Johnstone is currently focusing her efforts on the pool, where she has set her sights on the record held by Dame Sophie Pascoe [1]. The New Zealand athlete is utilizing her current trajectory to build momentum for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles [1]. By targeting Pascoe's benchmarks, Johnstone is positioning herself as a primary contender in her discipline.

Simultaneously, Judith Tortosa is preparing for her first Paralympic appearance [2]. Tortosa is currently focusing on her preparations for the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi [2]. This campaign follows her competitive activities in Barcelona last year, where she established her current form [2].

Tortosa is continuing her training in L’Hospitalet as she works toward her debut [2]. Her transition from regional competitions in Barcelona to the global stage in New Delhi marks a critical step in her athletic progression [2].

Both athletes are operating within high-performance environments designed to optimize their physical output. While Johnstone focuses on the legacy of New Zealand swimming, Tortosa is navigating the requirements of a first-time Paralympian [1, 2].

“Jess Johnstone is targeting Dame Sophie Pascoe’s record”

The simultaneous rise of Johnstone and Tortosa illustrates the long-term planning cycle of Paralympic athletes. By targeting records years in advance of LA28 and utilizing World Championships as stepping stones, these athletes are attempting to establish psychological and physical dominance before the next Summer Games.