Golden glory for French para-triathletes despite delays over Seine water quality
Triathlon events at the Paralympic Games finally got the green light Monday after water quality issues, and home favorite Alexis Hanquinquant seized his chance to defend his title and claim one of France’s four gold medals of the day.
The Normandy native finished in 58 minutes, 1 second – almost three minutes ahead of American Carson Clough and Spain’s Nil Riudavets Victory – who claimed silver and bronze respectively in the men’s PTS4 class triathlon.
Hanquinquant – already number one in World Triathlon Para Rankings – raised his arms in triumph and pointed to his name as the home fans cheered, while the athletes finishing behind him slumped to the ground in exhaustion.
“It was really a perfect race, I even allowed myself the luxury of slowing down on the last lap. The crowd was incredible. I heard ‘Alexis, Alexis’ all the way through,” Hanquinquant said. “Doing it at home is exceptional, I’m so happy, it’s so beautiful”.
Hanquinquant had his right leg amputated just below the knee in 2013, about three years after it was crushed by agricultural equipment in a work accident.
Sport classes PTS2 to 5 are for athletes with limitations in lower or upper limbs who don’t need a handcycle for the cycling segment or a racing chair for the running segment.
Prosthetic legs and bike modifications are allowed.
Four-time world champion claims gold
Overcome with emotion, the four-time world champion broke down in tears in a post-race interview with French TV.
As with the Olympic Games, the para triathlon began with a swimming event in the River Seine.
Read more on RFI English
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