Paris 2024 Messages from the CEO
Day 9
Kia ora and bonjour from Paris.
The sun was back shining in the French capital today, which provided the perfect backdrop for action to commence at Para canoe. First on the water was Paralympian #198 Scott Martlew who raced to an awesome first in his heat of the kayak single 200m KL2, progressing straight to tomorrow’s final, before backing up less than two hours later in the Va’a 200m VL3, placing sixth in his heat to progress to the semi-final on Sunday.
Also on the water was Paralympic debutant Peter Cowan, with a commanding paddle to narrowly place second in his heat, also progressing to the semi-final, and beaten only by a new Paralympic Games best mark.
Some exciting racing on the water still to follow over the final two days of the Games.
Elsewhere in Paris, the 4th place finishes continued, once again by the narrowest of margins. 1cm/10mm. 0.13 seconds. This time it was our incredible NZ Paralympic Team Opening Ceremony Flag bearers that had all of New Zealand on the edge of their seats, willing them on.
Paralympian #195 Anna Grimaldi in the Long Jump had jumped brilliantly all competition, only to be overtaken on the final jump. 1 cm, beaten by a new Paralympic Record and two Personal Bests.
Paralympian #164 Cameron Leslie was right in the mix, hitting the wall hard. Just 0.13 seconds off the podium. Beaten by a World Record and an Asian Record.
Back at the track, Paralympian #183 Holly Robinson was back in the Javelin F46. For Holly, a sixth place and Season Best was not able to challenge the medals, with medallists also setting new Paralympic and Asian records, and other Personal Bests across the competition.
Wrapping up competition on Day 9 was Paralympian #208 William Stedman, in the main straight, sprinting to 4th in his heat, with a seasons best time to progress to the Final tomorrow.
You know that the Paralympic Games are drawing to a close, because the discounts have started in the merchandise outlets, with as much as 50% off some of the big selling items, like the iconic Paris 2024 plush mascots with the running blade, and caps, pins and t-shirts. About the only thing not discounted (yet!) is the collectors edition Paris 2024 Paralympic Games posters – and of course that is something I wanted to purchase!
News has been filtering in from home, and the extensive TVNZ broadcast coverage. It was wonderful to learn that joining Paralympian #166 Dame Sophie Pascoe, were two other world beating Dames, Valerie Adams and Lisa Carrington. What a record-breaking trio to be sharing their insights, expert commentary and support for the NZ Paralympic Team, alongside Scotty Stevenson. Keep tuning in back at home as the broadcast brings every final moment for the NZ Paralympic Team at Paris 2024.
And finally, as the first week back at school for the kids in Paris (and working week for parents) ended, the full stadium energy was back at the venues, with crowds bringing the noise and lifting the roof when members of the French Team take to the field of play. I’m looking forward the final weekend of the Games, seeing the remaining members of the NZ Paralympic Team competing and putting an exclamation mark on a Games that has truly been giving all of New Zealand #SomethingToTalk About.
