First Paralympic champions crowned as French fans roar on swimmer

[Sneaky2021]

PARIS, France — The Paris Paralympics crowned its first champions on Thursday, with swimmer Ugo Didier collecting the host nation’s first gold in euphoric scenes at La Defense Arena. Didier, who was born with clubbed feet and has reduced use of his legs, won the 400m freestyle event in the S9 category after being roared home by French supporters in scenes reminiscent of those when Leon Marchand won four golds at the Olympics. Didier, 22, timed 4min 12.55sec to finish a second and a half ahead of Simone Barlaam of Italy. Brazilian swimmer Gabrielzinho won the third Paralympic title of his career. The 22-year-old, who has no arms or hands and his legs are atrophied, claimed the men’s 100m backstroke S2 title.​

 

[jhope98]

Hello! I think moments like these are what make the Paralympics special, though it’s the crowd’s passion that really elevates it.