Paralympic Diary Day 5 & Preview of Day 6

Monday, the fifth day of competition at the Paralympics Games in Paris started in the impressive Stade de France. IWA Member, Shauna Bocquet took to the track for her second event of these Games, the 1500m T54 heats. She raced a brave race but ultimately tactics got the better of her and she finished just marginally outside of qualifying, finishing in sixth place in her heat. (The first five athletes qualified for the final) Speaking to the young Galway woman afterwards she said: “The race was very tactical but I expected that, I tried to stay on the outside and not get boxed in. It was a very tight pack and I just couldn’t get around them (the other racers). In the end, it came down to the last 100m and the better athletes got over the line before me, I just couldn’t catch them. I’m looking forward to the next race now.” 

Shauna was a young member of Galway’s Speeders where she played a wide range of Para Sports for many years. They are one of 10 multi-sport clubs for children with a physical disability in Ireland that play a wide range of Para Sports. If you are interested in Para Sport in any of our clubs, check out the club finder linked below.

Colin Judge, Para Table Tennis took to the court in the afternoon with a tough match against the top seed, China’s Panfeng Feng. Judge put in a valiant effort with not much between them in the first two rounds, he ultimately lost out with a final score of 3-0 to China. The stands were electric with his fellow Team Ireland competitors, Kerrie Leonard, Katie O’Brien and Tiarnán O’Donnell and a full bleacher of fans cheering Olé, Olé, Olé. Speaking afterwards an upbeat Colin said:

“He’s been an idol of mine (Feng) since I first started in table tennis aged 11 and to play with him on the biggest stage today is an experience I’ll never forget. This is the closest I’ve ever gotten to him and I’m proud of that.”

“I’ve never experienced anything like that before. I want to thank everyone who came over, I’m so happy that I had so many supporting me who gave me a lot of energy in important moments. I’m sorry I couldn’t give them a better result, but I really gave it my all.”

Day 6 of competition starts with a busy day at the pool. All eyes will be on Clontarf’s, Ellen Keane who will swim her last race of these and future Paralympic Games. She will take to the pool for the 100m Backstroke. C’mon Ellen!