Paralympic 2024 Diary – Day 1 Results & Preview of Day 2

Competition finally got underway and IWA members Kerrie Leonard and Nicole Turner were amongst the 11 Team Ireland athletes who kicked off their competition schedule.

Para Swimmer, Nicole Turner took to the pool in the first half of the day competing in the S6 50m Freestyle Heats where she was the fifth fastest qualifier. Turner went on to compete in the final later on in the day finishing up a respectable sixth place with a time of 35.65 against stiff competition. Whilst disappointed, Nicole is staying positive and turning her attention to the S6 50m Butterfly on Tuesday, Sept 3rd (ETA 10am Irish Time).

Our very own Kerrie Leonard, Para Archery put in a brave performance in Women’s Individual Compound Open against a stunning backdrop which included the Eiffel Tower. Leonard finished this ranking event in 21st place and will compete in the head to head event against China’s Jiamin Zhou at 9am (Irish Time).

Also in action today, Friday, August 30th are Para Rowers and Katie O’Brien and Tiarnan O’Donnell who will row together in the heat of the PR2 Mixed Double Sculls whilst Para Swimmer, Ellen Keane will also take to the pool for the final in the S88 100m Breaststroke.

Did you know?

• Tiarnan also plays Wheelchair Basketball for Limerick Celtics and he has represented Ireland at underage and senior level before transferring to Para Rowing.  
• Nicole first tried out Para Athletics in IWA before finding Para Swimming, a sport in which she has competed at the highest level.
• Katie played Wheelchair Basketball for IWA Club Titans Galway before taking up Para Rowing.
• Ellen was introduced to Para Swimming in IWA at a young age. IWA teams featuring Ellen competed at many international competitions all around the world before Ellen went on to compete at the highest level.

What else is happening at the Paralympics?

• Whilst IWA are focusing on our nine members competing we are live in Paris cheering on and championing ALL Team Ireland athletes. Paralympics Ireland are providing regular updates on the Team here.
• Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby pack out venues. Ireland’s David Ross who currently plays with Ulster Barbarians is competing in Paris with Great Britain’s (GB) Wheelchair Rugby Team and our very own Jodie Waite, who played with Limerick Celts is part of GB’s Wheelchair Basketball! Yes! We will bring you more on these popular IWA sports. You can also watch these sports on YouTube here.
• Did you know former Liverpool Manager, Jurgen KLOPP is in Paris cheering on athletes from the stands? He has been spotted at both Para Badminton and Para Swimming so far.