Sergey Punko

Sergey Punko (also spelled Sergei, born 10 January 1981 in Navapolatsk) is a formerly Belarusian,[1] now Russian, Paralympic swimmer. He was born with a progressive eye disease, but had normal sight as a child.[2] He started swimming at age 10, and competed nationally and internationally in able-bodied competition until he was 21.[2] By that time, he had less than 5% vision. Classified S12, he began swimming in disability meets in 2002.[2] He quickly broke long-standing world records, and was named World Disabled Swimmer of the Year in 2003.[2]

Up to the 2012 Paralympic Games he has won four gold, six silver and three bronze medals.[3] At the 2012 Summer Paralympics, he won a gold and silver medals for Russia.

In February 2013, Punko held S12 long course world records in 200, 400 and 800 metre freestyle and 200 metre butterfly events.[4]