ParalympicsGB had a sensational start to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, clinching two gold medals and a total of six medals on the opening day. The standout performances came from Poppy Maskill and Tully Kearney, who both shone brightly in the pool.
Gold Medal Glory for Maskill and Kearney
Poppy Maskill, just 19, set a world record in the women’s 100m butterfly S14, finishing with a time of 1:03.00 to claim ParalympicsGB’s first gold medal of the Games. This remarkable performance not only secured her a top spot on the podium but also made an impressive debut on the Paralympic stage.
Tully Kearney followed up with a spectacular victory in the women’s 200m freestyle S5, upgrading her Tokyo silver to gold. Kearney’s win was a significant moment of redemption after narrowly missing out in Tokyo, and she outpaced competitors including Ukraine’s Iryna Poida in a thrilling final stretch.
Early Success and Heartbreak
Teenager Will Ellard also contributed to the medal haul with a silver in the men’s 100m butterfly S14, narrowly missing gold. Daphne Schrager and Steve Bate added to the tally with silvers in track cycling, while Kadeena Cox, a four-time Paralympic champion, faced a disappointing end to her race in the velodrome due to a crash.
In a historic achievement, 14-year-old Bly Twomey secured a bronze in para-table tennis, becoming the youngest British Paralympic medallist. Partnered with Felicity Pickard in the women’s doubles W14, Twomey demonstrated remarkable skill and composure.
Grinham Makes History
In another notable moment, seven-month pregnant para archer Jodie Grinham competed in the women’s individual compound heats. Grinham’s impressive performance, setting a personal best score and advancing to the last 16, highlighted her determination to compete at the highest level while balancing her role as a mother-to-be.
The opening day set a high bar for the rest of the Games, with ParalympicsGB showing strong performances across various events and sports. The British team is poised for continued success as they aim to build on this promising start throughout the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
