Great Britain had a successful day at the Paralympics, winning multiple medals in the triathlon and badminton events on day five in Paris. The medals came one after another, with triathlete Dave Ellis’ gold in the men’s PTVI event leading the way. The win marked the start of a series of impressive performances for Team GB, highlighting their competitive edge in these sports. Here’s a breakdown of all the action:
Ellis’ redemption on the Seine
Dave Ellis, along with his guide Luke Pollard, have recovered after a heartbreaking performance in Tokyo three years ago. That time, a mechanical problem during the bike segment cost Ellis a medal in the men’s PTVI event. This time, the duo had no setbacks on the challenging course in Paris.
Ellis and Pollard got off to a great start, staying in the top three for most of the way. However, it was their final run that clinched the gold medal. They put in a brilliant performance, finishing the race in 58 minutes and 41 seconds. Ellis expressed relief and joy at the finish line, saying the win was the result of “three years of hard work” and was a moment of redemption for her and her guide.
Megan Richter and Hannah Moore shine in Women’s PTS4
Great Britain’s medal tally continues to rise as Megan Richter won gold in the Women’s PTS4 triathlon. Paralympic debutant Megan finished the race in 1 hour, 14 minutes and 30 seconds and put in a stellar performance from start to finish. Richter’s powerful swim set the tone and she maintained a steady pace throughout the bike and run segments, ensuring victory amid cheers from spectators standing on the banks of the Seine.
Hannah Moore also put in a strong performance in the same event, securing a bronze medal for Team GB. Richter and Moore’s two medals not only boosted the British contingent’s morale but also brought their gold medal tally to 25, moving them closer to Paralympic leaders China.
Cashmore and Steadman take silver and bronze in Women’s PTS5
In a thrilling encounter in the Women’s PTS5 triathlon event, Claire Cashmore and Lauren Steadman found themselves on the podium, albeit with their roles reversed at Tokyo 2020. This time, American Grace Norman won gold, narrowly ahead of Cashmore, who won silver, and Steadman took bronze.
Both Cashmore and Steadman have impressive Paralympic histories and have demonstrated resilience and camaraderie over the years. Steadman, who has battled long-term Covid, returned to triathlon after competing at the Winter Games and is now adding another Paralympic medal to her collection. Cashmore has steadily increased her medal haul, now up to 10 in five Games since Athens 2004.
Dan Bethell suffers narrow defeat in badminton
Dan Bethell was another standout for Team GB, although he missed out on gold in the men’s SL3 badminton singles. Bethell’s encounter against India’s Kumar Nitesh was a thrilling three-game contest. After losing the first game 21-14, Bethell came back in the second game and won 21-18. The final game saw both players level at 21-21 before Nitesh managed to win the final two points, giving Bethell the silver medal after a hard-fought battle.
Bethell’s silver medal was nevertheless a significant achievement, showing his skill and determination against one of the world’s best players. There will be further action on the badminton court as Kristen Coombs is set to compete in the men’s SH6 singles final against France’s Charles Noke, giving Team GB another chance to win gold.
All eyes on Jonny Peacock and Ellie Challis for track and swimming events
All attention is now on the Stade de France, where Jonny Peacock is trying to win a historic third Paralympic gold in the men’s T64 100m final. Peacock, who has previously won gold in London and Rio, is looking to bounce back from his bronze medal in Tokyo. His race is scheduled for the evening, and fans are anxiously waiting to see if he can regain his top spot on the podium.
Meanwhile, in the pool, Ellie Challis, who was Britain’s youngest medallist at the Tokyo Games, is competing in the women’s S3 50m backstroke final. Challis topped her heat earlier in the day, finishing the race in 53.86 seconds, and is set for a strong performance in the final. She is hoping to better her silver medal in Tokyo and win her first gold medal.
Louise Fiddes is another British swimmer competing in the women’s SB14 100m breaststroke final. She finished second in her heat and will look to secure her spot on the podium. Her teammate, Olivia Newman-Baronius, will join her after securing the final qualification spot in her heat.
Dramatic moment for transgender athlete Valentina Petrillo
One of the most striking stories of the morning session was Italy’s Valentina Petrillo, who is the first openly transgender athlete to compete at the Paralympics. She progressed from the first round of the women’s T12 400m and finished second with a time of 58.35 seconds. Petrillo, who won a bronze medal at last year’s world championships,