New Zealand Paralympic Games team has matched its London 2012 medal tally and remains firmly number one in the world per capita for medals.
In yet another incredible achievement, Liam Malone has broken another world record in his first-ever Paralympics game running to his second gold medal in the men’s 400m T44. His winning time of 46.20 seconds broke the Paralympic record set by infamous Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius, leaving silver and bronze to be taken by Germany’s David Behre and USA’s Hunter Woodhall respectively. Malone who has only been competing in Para-Athletics for two years was able to purchase his first set of blades through the generosity of the New Zealand public who donated funds through a generous crowdfunding campaign.
After winning four gold medals in London 2012, American Raymond Martin took gold in the 1500m T51/52 wheelchair racing category. “It feels amazing that I can continue my success from London 2012. This was my last event so I wanted to go out with a bang.” He had already won silver when he finished less than a second behind his teammate Gianfranco Iannota in the men’s 100m T52 race.
Great Britain’s women on the water have been dominating the water at Lagoa Stadium winning three golds in the Paralympic’s first ever canoe event, thanks to Jeanette Chippington in the the KL1, Emma Wiggs in the KL2 and Anne Dickins in the KL3.
As well as first-time events, several countries have made their Paralympic debut at Rio, including Aruba, who have swimmer Jesus de Marchena Acevedo as their sole representative, Somalia with one, Malawi with one, São Tomé and Príncipe and Congo with three first-time representatives.
