One for the thinkers this. Men's race 28.3km. Women's race 14.2km. The 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris have been predicated on inclusiveness and sustainability. But do we want such divisiveness even now?
Wheels
Sarah Storey, who won the C5 time trial, branded as "appalling" the 14.2km distance of the women's course. "It's the shortest Paralympic time-trial we've ever done, and I think it's a real shame that we don't showcase para-sport as we should,” said the 46-year-old Briton who won her 18th title at the Paralympics. To the delight of the partisans, the local heroine Heidi Gaugain came second in the race for athletes with amputated or unilaterally affected upper limbs. “I hope this will be the last time the time trial is less than 20 kilometers," added Storey. "There was plenty of time in the day to do two laps like the men. To have fought so hard for parity in women's cycling only to not have it in para-cycling is a real disappointment."
Storied Storey
Sarah Storey was born with a malformation of the left hand and was only 14 when she competed in the swimming at the Paralympic Games in Barcelona in 1992 where she won two gold medals in the 100m backstroke and 200m freestyle as well as three silvers and a bronze in the S10 category. Three more titles came in Atlanta in 1996, in the 100m backstroke. Fast forward to Paris and the veteran boasts another shiny medal from her ninth Paralympic Games after switching to the bicycle.
Out of Sight
Much has been made about the deployment during the Paralympics of the venues used during the Olympics. Grand Palais. Hey. Bercy. Oui. Paris La Défense Arena. Yowser. For the Olympic time-trials, the cyclists whizzed past picture postcard image after iconic building and lavish backdrop. Paralympic time trial? Clichy-sous-Bois, Coubon, Courtry, Clichy-sous-Bois. All very charming, but not Pont Alexandre III.
Joining the dots
On the day that the organisers undermined all their stuff about inclusiveness boast, we see that at least one part of the PR complex is thinking blue skies. Word reaches The Review of a chance on Day 8 to join a spectator with a disability on their journey from site entrance to the stands. One fan with a motor handicap can be followed at the Arena Porte de la Chapelle and another with a visual handicap can be surveyed as they make their way to their seats at the Arena Paris Sud. To be a part of either experience, we were urged to book early to avoid disappointment. Stage and management are the words that fly around our head. But at least this wing of the Paralympic PR complex is trying to do a right thing.
Far, far away
Palesha Goverdhan, winner of Nepal's first medal at the Paralympics or Olympics, returned home to a rapturous welcome in Nepal following her bronze in the taekwondo. "I am filled with immense pride for having achieved this victory for our beloved nation," 21-year-old Goverdhan said before heading back to Kathmandu. "The countless hours of hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and the feeling is simply overwhelming." And how the authorities repaid the architectural engineering student's dedication and fortitude. Traditional music and the army band played as Goverdhan emerged to loud cheers draped in the national flag, marigold garlands and scarves. Many young taekwondo athletes were among hundreds gathered to welcome back Goverdhan, who beamed a wide smile and held up her medal. Goverdhan, who won bronze in the women's K44 under 57kg category, was born with a congenital limb deficiency on her left hand. "She has made us so proud," said her father Pradeep Goverdhan. "As parents, you are worried when your child is born with a deficiency like that. But we always encouraged her. As a child, she was always very determined, worked hard and achieved anything if her heart was set on it."
