Paris 2024 Paralympics: Day Two Highlights
GB Equestrian Star Lee Pearson Suspended Amid Inquiry
British Equestrian has announced the suspension of Sir Lee Pearson, one of Great Britain's most successful Paralympians, pending an investigation into his conduct following his exclusion from the Paris 2024 Games. The 50-year-old, who has secured 14 gold medals between 2000 and 2021, has not competed since March 2023. Despite the suspension, Pearson has expressed his intention to return for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Júlio César Agripino Sets New World Record in T11 5,000m
The athletics events at the Stade de France kicked off spectacularly with Brazil's Júlio César Agripino breaking the world record in the T11 (vision impairment) 5,000m race. Agripino finished with a remarkable time of 14:48.85, shaving over five seconds off the previous record held by compatriot Yeltsin Jacques. Japan's Kenya Karasawa claimed silver with an area record of 14:51.48, while Jacques secured bronze, completing the race in 14:52.61.
Colombia's José Gregorio Lemos Dominates F38 Javelin
José Gregorio Lemos of Colombia secured his second Paralympic gold by setting a new world record in the F38 javelin event. Lemos achieved an impressive throw of 63.81 meters, surpassing his previous record of 61.76 meters. Ukraine's Vladyslav Bilyi took silver with a throw of 52.86 meters, while China's An Dongquan earned bronze with 51.97 meters.
China's Zhou Xia Shines in T35 100m Sprint
Chinese sprinter Zhou Xia showcased her dominance by winning gold in the T35 100m final with a time of 13.58 seconds. This victory marks her fifth Paralympic gold, adding to her previous successes in Rio and Tokyo. Fellow Chinese athlete Guo Qianqian claimed silver, while India's Preethi Pal secured the bronze medal.
Erica Castaño Claims Gold in F55 Discus
Colombia's Erica Castaño earned gold in the F55 discus event with a season-best throw of 26.70 meters. The competition was intense, with China's Dong Feixia narrowly missing out on gold by just 3 centimeters and settling for silver. Mexico's Rosa María Guerrero replicated her performance from Tokyo by taking home the bronze medal.
Uzbekistan's Asila Mirzayorova Triumphs in T11 Long Jump
Asila Mirzayorova of Uzbekistan secured gold in the T11 women's long jump with a leap of 5.24 meters. China's Zhou Guohua earned silver with a jump of 4.91 meters, while Spain's Alba García Falagan took bronze with 4.76 meters.
Track Cycling: Jaco Gass Breaks Own World Record
In the track cycling events, Great Britain's Jaco Gass shattered his own world record in the C3 3,000m individual pursuit qualifying round. Gass recorded a time of 3:15.488, significantly improving upon his previous best of 3:17.593 set in Tokyo. He is set to compete against teammate Finlay Graham for the gold medal later today.
Tennis Action Begins at Roland Garros
The tennis competitions commenced with France's Frédéric Cattanéo facing off against the Netherlands' Maarten ter Hofte in the men's singles on Court Philippe-Chatrier. In the women's doubles, Great Britain's Lucy Shuker and Abbie Breakwell, who served as co-flagbearers at the opening ceremony, competed against Dutch duo Jinte Bos and Lizzy de Greef on Suzanne Lenglen court.
Upcoming Highlights
The day promises more excitement with numerous events lined up, including additional track and field competitions, 14 swimming finals, track cycling finals, and events in taekwondo, archery, badminton, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, tennis, table tennis, goalball, and boccia.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Paris 2024 Paralympics continue to showcase incredible athletic performances and inspiring stories from around the world.
