On the second day of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, a host of Para athletics medals will be contested, alongside the kickoff of wheelchair tennis and Para rowing events.
Wheelchair Tennis Action Begins
The wheelchair tennis tournament is set to start at the renowned Roland-Garros, although rain showers are expected. Despite the weather, fans can anticipate thrilling matches and emerging talents.
The day will commence with preliminary rounds. The men’s singles field is particularly competitive, following the retirement of Tokyo gold medalist Shingo Kunieda, a legend in the sport.
In the women’s singles, Dutch ace Diede de Groot is seeking her second consecutive Paralympic gold.
On Friday, South Africa’s Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole are poised to deliver an exciting showdown against Chilean players Francisco Cayulef and Diego Perez. Ramphadi recently captured his first Grand Slam title in quad doubles and is eager to make a mark in his Paralympic debut.
In the women’s doubles, American duo Dana Mathewson and Maylee Phelps will face Japan’s Momoko Ohtani and Saki Takamuro. Mathewson, a champion at the 2023 Parapan American Games, is competing in her third Paralympics.
Para Athletics Medal Events
At Stade de France, 14 medal events are on the agenda as Para athletics, the largest sport in the Paralympics, kicks off. The day’s first event will be particularly exciting, with the women’s discus F55 showcasing a variety of medal contenders.
China’s Dong Feixia, the defending champion, will compete against Mexico’s Rosa Maria Guerrero Cazares, who recently triumphed at the 2023 World Championships in Paris. Colombian Erica Maria Castano Salazar, the 2024 World Champion, will also be a strong competitor.
In the men’s 5000m T11, Brazil’s Yeltsin Jacques is looking to extend his winning streak after setting a world record in Kobe. Tunisia’s Raoua Tlili, the world record holder in the women’s shot put F41, aims for more gold after victories in Rio and Tokyo.
Uzbekistan’s Asila Mirzayorova is favored in the women’s long jump T11, having recently won back-to-back world titles.
Para Rowing Highlights
Norway’s Birgit Skarstein, the reigning Paralympic champion, is a top contender in the PR1 women’s single sculls. With a decade of championship wins, she’s a formidable competitor. Israel’s Moran Samuel, who has bested Skarstein twice this season, will also be a strong challenger.
In the PR1 men’s single sculls, all eyes will be on Ukrainian champion Roman Polianskyi, with tough competition from Great Britain’s Benjamin Pritchard and Italy’s Giacomo Perini.
Para Cycling Continues the Momentum
The Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines is buzzing after a record-breaking first day of Para cycling. Day two promises to be just as thrilling, with eight medal events scheduled.
Spain’s Alfonso Cabello Llamas, gold medalist in Tokyo, will continue his rivalry with Great Britain’s Jody Cundy, who won silver last time. Meanwhile, Australia’s Emily Petricola aims to defend her title in the women’s C4 3000m individual pursuit, supported by a competitive field including USA’s Shawn Morelli and Canada’s Keely Shaw.