Paris 2024: Best Para triathlon moments
Lauren Parker captured her maiden gold medal in the women's PTWC event, while Jetze Plat became the first Para triathlete to win three straight titles in the men's event Spain’s Daniel Molina won his first Paralympic gold medal after two decades of waiting French Para triathletes excited the home crowd, collecting four medals – two golds, a silver, and a bronze. 28 Oct 2024
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were packed with memorable moments, including athletic firsts that took place at stunning venues in front of a vocal crowd.
We will share three moments from each sport that made the Games very special.
Top moment
Three years after finishing with a silver medal at Tokyo 2020, Australia’s Lauren Parker went one better in Paris.
In Tokyo, the USA’s Kendall Gretsch pipped her for the gold medal in the women's PTWC event by a second in a thrilling sprint finish. But in Paris, Parker finished more than a minute ahead of Gretsch.
“I can’t believe I was able to do it today. It’s been a long journey for me to get here, and I couldn’t be more proud and more happy to get the gold medal,” said Parker, who also won two medals in Para cycling.
“It’s so special. After getting second at Tokyo by less than a second, that’s been a big driving force over the last three years, every single day, through every single training session. I’ve worked so hard to accomplish what I’ve done today.”
Lauren Parker wins GOLD in the Para-triathlon Women's PTWC event.
— AUS Paralympic Team (@AUSParalympics) September 2, 2024
Congratulations Lauren, we are so proud of you.@austriathlon | @paralympics | @paris2024 pic.twitter.com/tGYIgraCb7
In the men’s PTWC event, Jetze Plat became the first athlete to win three straight titles since the sport made its debut at Rio 2016. The Dutch star crossed the line at Pont Alexandre III in 58:16, finishing ahead of Florian Brungraber of Austria and Geert Schipper of the Netherlands.
“I’m mostly relieved. It’s my third title in the triathlon, and I’m very proud of that. But I’m looking at the bigger picture. There’s still some pressure and stress,” Plat said. He won two more golds in the men’s Para cycling H4 road race and the H4 individual time trial at Paris 2024.
Biggest surprise
Spain’s Daniel Molina won his maiden Paralympic gold medal after two decades of waiting. After representing Spain in Para swimming at Athens 2004, he shifted his focus to incorporate running and cycling in 2011.
He topped the podium in the men’s PTS3 race, a new event introduced at Paris 2024.
“I went in with a very different mindset (compared with Athens 2004). It was all about the gold,” said Molina, who turned 50 a week after the Games. “From the beginning, this was my goal, and I made it happen. This is just the greatest feeling ever.”
“I feel very, very happy. Today has been the best day of my sporting career. Everything went really well.”
Home hero
French Para triathletes excited the home crowd, collecting four medals – two golds, a silver, and a bronze.
Home favourite Alexis Hanquinquant defended his title in the men’s PTS4 event, finishing the race in 58.01 minutes. Hanquinquant, who was France’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, finished ahead of Carson Clough of the USA and Nil Riudavets Victory of Spain.
“I’m super happy. This is incredible. It was a beautiful race. All the ingredients were there to make it work today,” Hanquinquant said. “My family is here. It’s important to win in front of my family.”
Jules Ribstein won the men’s PTS2 gold medal on his Paralympic debut. The USA’s Mohamed Lahna and Mark Barr took silver and bronze, respectively.
France’s Thibaut Rigaudeau finished with the silver medal and Antoine Perel took the bronze medal in the men’s PTVI race won by Great Britian’s Dave Ellis.
