Simone Barlaam

Simone Barlaam (born 12 July 2000) is an Italian Paralympic swimmer who competes in international level events. He is a thirteen time World champion and eight time European champion. He competed at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, winning a gold medal.

Personal life Barlaam was born with a coxa vara and congenital hypoplasia in his right femur which means that his right leg doesn't develop resulting in his right leg shorter than his left leg. Coxa vara was caused by doctors who performed a podalic version procedure while he was in utero but his leg broke which doctors knew nothing about. During his childhood, he went through thirteen surgeries to correct his right leg.

Swimming career Barlaam began Paralympic swimming when he was fifteen years old and won his first medals at the 2017 World Para Swimming Championships in Mexico City. He swims and trains with other able-bodied swimmers.

At the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore, Barlaam secured a “golden hat-trick” by winning three gold medals, including the men’s 400 m freestyle S9 with a time of 4:13.33.