Irish Athletes Shine on Day 4 of the 2024 Paralympics in Paris
Day Four of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris saw another action-packed day for Team Ireland, with athletes competing across multiple disciplines. The day kicked off with excitement as Katie O’Brien and Tiarnán O’Donnell represented Ireland in the Para rowing mixed doubles B final, followed by intense competition on the cycling track and a new European record set in athletics.
Para Rowing: O’Brien and O’Donnell Start the Day
Katie O’Brien and Tiarnán O’Donnell were the first Irish athletes in action, competing in the PR2 mixed double sculls B final. The pair delivered a strong performance, showcasing their skill and determination on the water. Their race set the tone for what would be a thrilling day of competition for Team Ireland.
Para Cycling: Irish Cyclists Battle for Glory
In para cycling, Martin Gordon and Damien Vereker took to the track in the 1000m time trial qualifiers, competing for a spot in the final later in the day. Simultaneously, Katie-George Dunlevy and Josephine Healion competed in the B 3000m individual pursuit qualifiers, with both pairs aiming to secure places in the medal races scheduled for the afternoon.
The cycling events promised to be fiercely competitive, with the Irish cyclists giving their all to represent their country on the world stage.
Para Triathlon Events Postponed
Unfortunately, the para triathlon events scheduled for the day were postponed due to ongoing concerns over water quality in the River Seine. This decision was made with the safety and well-being of the athletes as the top priority.
Athletics: Streimikyte Sets New European Record
In a thrilling T13 1500m final at a packed Stade de France, Greta Streimikyte delivered a standout performance, knocking a full second off her own European record. The UCD AC athlete finished just outside the medals in fourth place, but her achievement was nothing short of remarkable.
Streimikyte’s time of 4:32.28 bested her previous European record of 4:33.27, which she set at the World Championships in Paris last year. Despite finishing just shy of the podium, her race was a testament to her tactical skill and determination.
Reflecting on her performance, Streimikyte said, “My plan was to take on the first lap and ensure it wasn’t too slow because that wouldn’t be beneficial for me. I remained focused and gave everything I could on that last lap. Running a season’s best means I left it all on the track. Fourth place is always tough, but I’m hopeful that I won’t be in that position for much longer.”
The race was won by Ethiopia’s reigning champion Tigist Gezahagn in 4:22.39, with Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi and America’s Liza Corso taking silver and bronze, respectively.
Upcoming Events
Team Ireland has a busy schedule ahead, with several key events taking place throughout the day. Athletes will compete in para cycling finals, where they aim to bring home medals for Ireland. Here’s the schedule for the remainder of the day:
• 12:51 PM: Martin Gordon & Eoin Mullen – B 1000m Final (Para Cycling)
• 12:51 PM: Damien Vereker & Mitchell McLaughlin – B 1000m Final (Para Cycling)
• 1:31 PM & 1:41 PM: Katie-George Dunlevy & Eve McCrystal (Pilot) – B 3000m Individual Pursuit Final (Bronze and Gold)
• 1:31 PM & 1:41 PM: Josephine Healion & Linda Kelly (Pilot) – B 3000m Individual Pursuit Final (Bronze and Gold)
The Irish athletes continue to inspire with their determination and performances in Paris, and the nation eagerly awaits the results from the remaining events of Day Four.
Stay tuned for further updates as Team Ireland continues to compete at the highest level on the Paralympic stage.