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The 2024 Paralympics in Paris began with a strong start for British Para-swimmers as several athletes qualified for finals on the opening morning. Teenage stars William Ellard and Olivia Newman-Baronius, both debutants, easily advanced through their S14 100m butterfly heats at La Defense Arena. Ellard, 18, and Newman-Baronius, 17, who claimed gold at the Open European Championships in Madeira earlier this year, are top contenders for their finals later today.
Newman-Baronius, a world record holder, will race at 17:42 BST alongside teammates Poppy Maskill and Louise Fiddes, while Ellard competes at 17:35. Toni Shaw also delivered a standout performance in the women’s S9 400m freestyle and is eyeing a medal in her final at 16:40. Additionally, Tully Kearney led in the women’s S5 200m freestyle heats, aiming to upgrade her Tokyo 2020 silver medal in tonight’s final at 19:40.
In an early highlight, American swimmer Christie Raleigh-Crossley set a new world record in the women’s S9 50m freestyle with a time of 27.28 seconds.
“David Smith Begins Quest for Third Boccia Gold”
British boccia legend David Smith kicked off his pursuit of a third consecutive gold medal with a 5-2 victory over Brazil’s Jose Oliveira in the men’s BC1 match at the South Paris Arena. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Para table-tennis star Bly Twomey, alongside Felicity Pickard, secured a 3-0 win against Norway in the women’s doubles WD14 quarter-final, setting up a semifinal clash against China at 17:30 BST. Twomey will also compete in the mixed doubles XD17 at 13:13.
“Kadeena Cox Aims for GB’s First Medal”
Kadeena Cox, one of ParalympicsGB’s most renowned athletes, could secure the nation’s first gold medal in the women’s C4-5 500m time trial at the velodrome. Cox, a double gold medalist from Rio 2016, is among the favorites for the event, with the final scheduled for 14:15. Fellow British Para-cyclists Neil Fachie, James Ball, and Steve Bate are also competing on the opening day.
“Jodie Grinham Makes Paralympic History”
Jodie Grinham, seven months pregnant, will make history as the first British woman to compete in the Paralympics so far into pregnancy. The 31-year-old archer joins Paralympic champion Phoebe Patterson in the individual compound archery event.
Other British athletes to watch include Will Bayley, who begins his table tennis campaign, and the women’s basketball team, who face Spain in the group stages. The men’s basketball team has already secured a 76-55 win over Germany. Boccia player Claire Taggart will also be competing in her group stage matches.
