Ripa, who is doing his fourth Paralympics and carried the Swedish flag at the inauguration, had a strong finish and took second place in the heat just before Felicia Laberer, Germany.
For the winner Laura Sugar, Great Britain, there was not much to do.
The 30-year-old was totally superior, broke a personal record and won by just over 2.5 seconds ahead of Ripa.
The semi-final is now waiting for the Swede, where the 50-year-old will have the best qualifying time.
The winners of the two qualifying heats, Sugar and the Frenchwoman Nelia Barbosa, got direct places to the final.