Athletics Paralympics 2024: GB duo win swimming golds in Paris 2024 Paralympics
On day two of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Great Britain’s Maisie Summers-Newton and Ellie Kearney both clinched gold medals in their respective swimming events, showcasing the nation’s continued dominance in the pool.
Summers-Newton, the defending champion from Tokyo 2020, powered to victory in the SM6 200m individual medley with a time of 2:58.40, cementing her status as one of the top para-swimmers in the world. The 22-year-old, who has an intellectual impairment, has now won five Paralympic gold medals in her career, solidifying her place among the greats of the sport.
Kearney, who won gold in the S5 200m freestyle the previous day, followed up her success by claiming the top spot in the S5 100m freestyle final with a time of 1:16.75. The 24-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, has now won a total of six Paralympic gold medals, further enhancing her reputation as one of the most decorated para-swimmers in British history.
Main Points
Humphrey Sisters Aim for Glory in S11 400m Freestyle Final
In addition to Summers-Newton and Kearney’s triumphs, twin sisters Scarlett and Eliza Humphrey are set to compete for gold in the S11 400m freestyle event, which takes place later today. Eliza, the younger of the two, is looking to improve on her European bronze medal performance and join her sister on the top step of the podium.
The S11 classification is for swimmers with a visual impairment, and the Humphrey sisters, who are both 18 years old, have been tipped as potential stars of the future in the sport. Their sibling rivalry and support for one another have been a heartwarming story throughout their Paralympic journey so far.
ParalympicsGB Continues to Impress Across Multiple Sports
Great Britain’s success in the pool has been mirrored by impressive performances in other sports as well. In the men’s PR1 single sculls rowing event, Benjamin Pritchard set a new Paralympic best time of 8:51.26 to advance to the finals. The 27-year-old, who has a physical impairment, is looking to improve on his fifth-place finish at the Tokyo 2024 Games and claim his first Paralympic medal.
In the men’s T12 100m athletics event, Zachary Shaw qualified for the final with a narrow margin of just 0.01 seconds ahead of Brazil’s Kesley Teodoro. The 20-year-old, who has a visual impairment, is aiming to add to Great Britain’s growing medal tally in the track and field events.
Controversy Surrounding British Equestrian Star Lee Pearson
In a separate development, British Equestrian has announced that Sir Lee Pearson, one of the most decorated Paralympians in history, is currently suspended pending an investigation into his behavior following his exclusion from the Paris 2024 roster. The 50-year-old, who has won 14 gold medals from 2000 to 2021, a record surpassed only by cyclist Sarah Storey and swimmer Mike Kenny, has not participated in any competitions since March 2023.
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Pearson, who served as Great Britain’s flag bearer during the Rio 2016 Games, has conveyed his aspirations to compete again at the Los Angeles Games in 2028 via social media. British Equestrian has stated that the matter is currently under investigation and that no additional comments will be provided at this moment.
Looking Ahead to Day Three
As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games enter their third day, a wealth of athletic events is on the agenda, with 14 gold medals up for grabs in a packed swimming schedule, along with finals in track cycling, taekwondo, archery, badminton, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and tennis.
Great Britain will be looking to continue their strong performance across multiple sports, with athletes such as Stephen Clegg, who is competing in the men’s 100m S12 backstroke, aiming for gold. The 27-year-old, who has a visual impairment, will be hoping to add to his growing collection of Paralympic medals.
As the competition heats up in Paris, the world’s best para-athletes continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their incredible feats of skill, determination, and resilience. The ParalympicsGB team, led by the likes of Summers-Newton, Kearney, and Pritchard, is well-positioned to build on their success and cement their place among the top nations in the Paralympic movement.
