Paralympic Diary Day 4 of Competition & Preview of Day 5

No weekend breaks for our athletes at the Paralympic Games as the competition events continue to push forward at full tilt.

The day started with the final row for a duo who’s love affair with sport started in IWA, Katie O’Donnell and Tiarnán O’Donnell. They competed in the PR2 Mixed Double Sculls, B Final coming home second which meant that they finished eight overall. Eight is a hugely encouraging position for the Para Rowers who have only been rowing together for a year with Katie sharing she has been battling injuries for most of that time. Speaking to them after their race today Katie said: “I’m ready to relax, sit back and look at what we have achieved and I’m so appreciative to have had such a fun experience over the last four weeks. Obviously it’s not the dream result but I think taking everything into account , we have to be happy with ourselves and take the positives from this.It means a huge amount to me. I set out to become a Paralympian 12 years ago and it won’t be until I’m at home on the sofa in Galway that it will finally sink in.”

An emotional Tiarnán was left speechless by the support they have received but then added: “Genuinely, I have no words for how I feel for all the people who have supported both me and Katie over the past year. The love we feel is unreal. We have showed the world that we are elite athletes, we have competed on the world stage and we should be seen on a par with Olympians and that’s how I would like people to see us.” Katie was also keen to say: “I’m really hoping that we can inspire even one person in Ireland to pick up an oar and try Para Rowing. It’s an amazing sport, to mix being on the water with sport, there’s no better feeling.”

Both Katie and Tiarnán played Wheelchair Basketball with IWA-Sport (Katie played with Titans in Galway and Tiarnán with Limerick Celtics ) prior to taking up rowing, when asked about the comparisons of the two Tiarnán said: “I loved playing Wheelchair Basketball, it’s such a good sport but rowing is where my heart is and I don’t think I could step away from it. I will go back and try get a game with the lads back in Limerick, they’re a great crew.”

IWA’s Colin Judge, Para Table Tennis, got a bye so will compete today instead at 12.45pm (IRL) against China’s Panfeng Feng.

Shauna Bocquet will be back on the track at Stade de France for her T54 1500 heat and we’ll be trackside so will bring you all the latest information.

What else is happening at the Paralympic Games?

Paris has put in lots of helpful additions that have made getting around the city easier for athletes, families, visitors and of course the thousands of volunteers recruited to help run the Games. (45,000 have been reported to work across both the Olympics and Paralympics)

There is dedicated signed on their underground train system indicating which stops to get off at for competition venues. Whilst there has been mixed reports about accessibility, it has been mostly positive and local newspapers have reported that the French Government have vowed to continue improving on access issues in the aftermath of the Games.

At venues are there are dedicated volunteers and entrances for families. Obviously is this the same for the athletes who are staying in the Olympic Village.

The Olympic Flame lit during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics also featured in the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony and remains lit for the duration of both Games. It is in the heart of the city and an impressive symbol of the Games, drawing thousands of people to go see it each evening. You have to see this. Video courtesy of France24.

You can find out more about the competition schedule via our dedicated Paralympic page.