The Paris 2024 Paralympics is a thrilling showcase of athletic prowess and national pride, with Australia’s athletes competing fiercely on the world stage.
From swimming and athletics, to cycling and team sports, our competitors are making their mark and set to bring home medals.
In this daily recap, we’ll cover Australia’s achievements, standout performances, and the most memorable moments from each day of the Paris Paralympics.
Whether it’s a gold medal in the pool, a record-breaking sprint, or a nail-biting finish in a team event, you’ll find all the highlights here. Stay tuned as we celebrate the achievements of our Australian Paralympians.
Day 2: 30th August
Wheelchair Rugby, Para Cycling, Para Swimming, Para Archery, Para Shooting, Para Badminton
Australia had a busy day two at the Paris Paralympics across several events.
Australia’s wheelchair rugby team, the Steelers, bounced back from an opening defeat to Great Britain with a 58-55 victory over the host nation in Paris. Ryley Batt led the charge with 36 tries, supported by 12 from captain Chris Bond.
Meanwhile, Australia’s para cyclists shone on day two of the Paralympics. Emily Petricola defended her women’s C4 3000m individual pursuit title, breaking the world record, while Korey Boddington set a Paralympic record in the C4-5 1000m time trial, winning gold. Jessica Gallagher and her pilot Caitlin Ward earned silver in the Women’s B 1000m time trial.
In the women’s 50m freestyle S10 final, Alexa Leary and Jasmine Greenwood finished sixth and eighth, respectively.
In para archery, Ameera Lee advanced to the next stage after a close victory over Singapore’s Syahidah Alim, winning 135-133. Fellow Aussie Melissa-Anne Tanner is set to compete soon.
Natalie Smith finished 12th in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 qualifying round, unfortunately missing out on the final. Meanwhile, para rower Erik Horrie placed third in his heat of the PR1 men’s single sculls, moving to the repechage.
Australia’s Celine Vinot faced a tough start in para badminton, losing her opening match against world number three Mariam Eniola Bolaji.
Day 1: 29th August
Para Swimming, Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair Basketball & Para Archery
Australia’s Paralympic team kicked off their Paris campaign with a strong showing, securing four medals on Day 1, led by outstanding performances in the pool.
Tom Gallagher claimed Australia’s first gold in Paris and his career, winning the Men’s S10 50m Freestyle Final with a time of 23.40 seconds. Fellow swimmer Rowan Crothers joined him on the podium with a bronze in the same event. Lakeisha Patterson added a silver in the Women’s S9 400m Freestyle, narrowly missing gold, while Brenden Hall, Australia’s flag bearer, secured a bronze in the Men’s S9 400m Freestyle.
In Wheelchair Rugby, the Australian Steelers faced a narrow defeat against Great Britain, losing 55-58 despite a remarkable 36-try effort from Ryley Batt. The team will next face France in a crucial match.
The Rollers, Australia’s Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team, also faced a challenging start, losing 55-66 to the Netherlands. Bill Latham led the team with 16 points.
In Para Archery, Melissa Tanner and Amanda Jennings both achieved season-best performances, while Taymon Kenton-Smith finished 23rd in his ranking round, setting up a tough elimination match next week.
