Making his Paralympic debut at Paris 2024, Paralympian #229 Devon Briggs endured a huge blow to his preparations when sustaining injuries in a pre-camp crash in Switzerland prior to the Paralympics. Understandably this was a far from ideal set of circumstances but despite cycling in pain he finished fifth in the Men’s C3 3000m Individual Pursuit and seventh in the Men’s C1-3 1000m Time Trial. Here are a few key learnings Devon took away from his first Paralympic experience.
It may seem obvious but Devon’s experiences in the French capital reinforced the importance that having an untroubled build up in the “lead in” to a Paralympic Games is absolutely critical.
“At a Games everyone performs at a different level they are faster, fitter, stronger. Everyone is peaking to perform for that pinnacle event,” he explains. “So, the key take away from me is the importance of being mentally ready to put in a really good performance at a Games.”
Hindered from doing so because of the crash proved frustrating for the reigning Men’s C3 1000m Individual Time Trial – who pointed to the several world records set in the Men’s C1-3 1000m Individual Time Trial as evidence of the rising quality on show at a Paralympic Games.
Another key learning was the different dynamic posed by competing at a major multi-sport event for the first time. Not only are Para cyclists present but a multitude of athletes from many different countries competing across a range of sports. And this led to some learnings for apartment living across a three-week period.
“Even with our own team-mates competing in different sports, at different times with different needs can present its challenges. A big learning for me is working out to live together with a bunch of guys.”
Village life also presented a range of distractions – which required a disciplined approach, according to Devon. With free food available at the Village and games’ rooms and other distractions available athletes can quickly lose focus.
“It is important to navigate that space in the Village, the dining hall, the games rooms many different things. It is important to limit everything as much as possible before racing.”
Devon said despite the temptations before competition he maintained his discipline before post-competition sampling the best of Village life. “After I competed gave me the chance to hang out with everyone from different countries, hang out in the chill out areas play fussball and basketball.”
Image: Getty Images
