Routliffe, Bennett produce pair of swimming silvers for Canada in Paralympic pool

Tess Routliffe felt back where she belonged and Nicholas Bennett rose to the occasion for a pair of Paralympic Games silver medals in the pool Saturday.

Routliffe of Caledon, Ont., took silver in the women's 200-metre individual medley eight years after the same result in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

The 25-year-old didn't compete in Tokyo three years ago because of a broken back she suffered when a barbell fell on her during a weight-training session.

"It's been eight years since I've been at a Paralympic Games. That feeling is kind of indescribable," Routliffe said. "I'm back in my happy place. I'm able to be Tess. I'm able to race."

WATCH | Routliffe swims to silver:

Bennett of Parksville, B.C., knocked over half a second off his previous best time in the men's 200-metre freestyle to gain the first Paralympic medal of his career.

The 20-year-old, who is autistic, was beaten for gold by Britain's William Ellard in a world-record time of one minute 51.30 seconds.

"It's been two years since I dropped time in that race," Bennett said.

"I'm actually ecstatic. I left everything in the pool and I'm currently feeling like I'm trying not to pass out. Absolutely gassed. There's nothing left in the tank right now."

WATCH l Bennett claims 200m freestyle silver in Paris:

Canada's para swim team collected three medals in the first three days of racing at La Defense Arena, but awaited the first gold medal heading into Sunday.

Aurélie Rivard of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., was a bronze medallist in the 50-metre freestyle to open the meet.

Routliffe surged over the final 100 metres of the breaststroke and freestyle legs to vault from fifth to second behind victor Mallory Weggemann of the United States.

Dorris's stronger event is still to come as the Moncton swimmer is the defending champion in the 50-metre butterfly.