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.
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.
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.
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.
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).”
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.
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.
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