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Paralympics: Dolphins produce one of their best nights, Curtis McGrath and Li Na Lei in hot form

More success in the pool, Curtis McGrath and Li Na Lei close in on medals and more. Here’s everything you missed from day nine in Paris.

Historic Day - 3 Aussies claim GOLD

Day nine of the Paralympic Games was a little quieter for our Aussies but there was still plenty of action.

Here’s what you might have missed.

MEDALS GALORE IN THE POOL

The Dolphins have produced one of their best nights in the pool of the Paralympics.

Seven medals were won headlined by Benjamin Hance’s gold in the 100m S14 breaststroke and Callum Simpson’s win in the men’s 100m S8 freestyle.

Earlier in the day, Hance had broken the world record in the heats.

Benjamin Hance won gold in the 100m S8 freestyle. Picture: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Benjamin Hance won gold in the 100m S8 freestyle. Picture: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

The men’s 100m butterfly S9 final produced two medals for the green and gold with Tim Hodge taking silver and Lewis Bishop bronze.

Other bronze medal winners on the night included Tom Gallagher, Emily Beecroft and Rachael Watson.

More medals for Australia in the pool, Tim Hodge (L) and Lewis Bishop (R). Picture: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
More medals for Australia in the pool, Tim Hodge (L) and Lewis Bishop (R). Picture: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

MCGRATH IN RED HOT FORM

Former soldier Curtis McGrath cruised straight into the finals of his two events at the Paris Olympics.

Reunited with some of his army mates from Afghanistan, Australia’s greatest para-canoeist easily won his heats in both kayak and Va’a to seal a place in the finals without having to contest the semis.

Curtis McGrath cruised through to finals. Picture: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Curtis McGrath cruised through to finals. Picture: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

ARTWORK MATCHES THE GOLD

Sporting a mask with the Mona Lisa depicted on it, Italian shot putter Assunta Legnaante won the women’s F12 event at Stade de France.

It was somewhat a bounce back for the Italian who won in London and Rio before claiming silver in Tokyo.

“It is a gift, it’s a piece of art that binds Italy and France,” the Italian said of her fashion choice after a winning effort of 14.54m.

“When I choose an eye mask, there is always a link between Italy and the host country (of a major competition).”

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CLOSING IN ON ANOTHER TABLE TENNIS MEDAL

Li Na Lei qualified for the semi-finals of the Women’s WS9 Singles Standing table tennis and in the process guaranteed a medal.

She’s also kept her gold medal defence alive after a 3-0 win.

“I’m going to do my best and play point by point,” Lei said.

Even if Lei is to lose her last four match, bronze medals are shared between the two athletes who lose in the semis.

Na Lei Li is on her way to another Paralympic medal. Picture: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Na Lei Li is on her way to another Paralympic medal. Picture: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

ROLLERS END ON A HIGH

Australia’s wheelchair basketball team ended its competition in fifth place on the back of an 82-75 win over Netherlands.

The Rollers led at every break to come away with the win as captain Tristan Knowles scored a team-high 21 points.

Originally published as Paralympics: Dolphins produce one of their best nights, Curtis McGrath and Li Na Lei in hot form

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/olympics/paralympics/follow-the-paralympics-live-the-video-message-that-started-a-golden-friendship/live-coverage/fbee88d9416495dd68d5ee020e8246b5