China extended its lead in the overall medal table at the Paris Paralympics on Tuesday, dominating the swimming events with four gold medals and two podium clean sweeps. The first one-two-three finish for China came in the men’s 50m backstroke S5, with Yuan Weiyi securing gold, Guo Jincheng taking silver, and Wang Lichao claiming bronze.
The real highlight, however, was the women’s race of the same classification. World record holder Lu Dong defended her title in impressive fashion, with He Shenggao taking second place and Liu Yu finishing third. ‘When there is another strong swimmer behind you, you will be more motivated,’ Lu told AFP. ‘Because you’re all in China, and you will race every year, and then we will train together. It becomes even more advantageous,’ she added.
In total, China secured four of the 15 gold medals on offer in the late session at the La Defense Arena.
Great Britain almost achieved a podium sweep of their own, with Faye Rogers taking gold and Callie-Ann Warrington securing silver in the women’s 100m butterfly S10. Rogers’ victory was particularly remarkable, coming just three years after a car accident that left her with limited movement in her elbow. ‘It’s a big full circle moment and I couldn’t be prouder of how far I’ve come,’ Rogers said. ‘Coming into para-sport has been the best thing, I couldn’t be more grateful for this journey and I have learned so much about myself. There are so many people who could benefit from para sport, it’s just amazing,’ she added.
The biggest cheers of the night came for the home hopes Ugo Didier, Laurent Chardard, and especially favourite Alex Portal. Portal finished second to Ihar Boki, who claimed his 21st Paralympic gold medal in a remarkable career, in the men’s 200m individual medley SM13. The 22-year-old also added a third silver and a bronze to his collection in the pool, located just north of his hometown of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. ’21 medals for him, he’s a monster,’ Portal told France Televisions. ‘So, I’m really proud to be close to his standard,’ he added.
Leanne Smith from the United States went one better than in Tokyo, winning the women’s 100m freestyle S3. Italy’s highly favored team also secured two gold medals, with Carlotta Gilli taking first place in the women’s 200m individual medley SM13 and Stefano Raimondo winning the men’s 100m butterfly S10.
