Paralympic Diary Day 3 of Competition & Preview of Day 4

Team Ireland’s schedule for day 3, Sat 31st Aug was a less hectic schedule than the previous few days with Para Cycling, Para Rowing and Para Athletics the only athletes in action.

IWA members Shauna Bocquet, Para Athletics and Para Rowing duo Katie O’Brien and Tiarnán O’Donnell kicked off the morning. Shauna finished eighth in a very fast T54 5000m final race. Speaking afterwards, she commented: “The stadium is incredible (Stade de France). The atmosphere was amazing. There was a lot of noise every time we came around and that really helps you. It gives you that edge you mightn’t think you would have. To be here at the Paralympic Games is amazing and to be in a final is just incredible. I have a rest tomorrow, before the 1500m heats on Monday (2nd Sept) and I am doing the 100m as well,” she confirmed. “I much prefer the longer distances so we’ll wait to see the start-list for the 1500m tomorrow and decide tactics then.” 

Katie and Tiarnán took to the water just before 11am local time. The stunning venue, not too far from Disneyland was worthy of the brave duo who raced their heart out. Unfortunately, they came in fourth place which meant they don’t qualify for the A final but they do get another chance to row for final positions on Sunday in the B final. Speaking to them afterwards it was hard not to be in awe of their positivity and sheer joy at being here to compete. They are ambitious, hardworking and humble all in the same breath. Katie explained how she was plagued with injuries this year and that she spent 90% of her time out of the boat. It was really only the last four weeks before the Games that they got to train together more frequently on the water. Tiarnán also commented, “We’re happy overall, obviously we would have loved to have been quicker but we put it all out there, Katie was pushing me hard in the boat. We gave it all we had. We are thrilled to be here. It’s unreal. We are Paralympians!”. Later on as their fans sang their now famous song and danced around he urged them to do two things. “Save some energy for our race tomorrow cause we have more in the tank and secondly start saving for LA (2028 Paralympic Games)”.

Day 4 of competition kicks of our Para Rowers at 9.10am Irish time.

All Para Triathlon events have been postponed until Monday, 2nd Sept) due to heavy rainfalls in the previous days affecting the quality of the water in the Seine. We must have brought the rain with us from Ireland.

Team Ireland’s Para Cycling athletes are in action at the velodrome today too.

Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby continue to cause a stir at the Games with their high tempo pace and atmosphere. We have been following former IWA-Sport Member and Limerick Celtics player, Jodie Waite who has been competing as part of Team GB has been doing well and we hope to catch up with her over the coming days to bring you more.

Ex-Ulster Barbarians player, David Ross, also playing with Team GB, in Wheelchair Rugby has been causing quite the stir with their narrow win over France to win by 1 point. Final score 50 GB versus 49 FR.

For more on our athletes schedule check out our dedicated Paralympics Page linked below.

Go #TeamIreland