XYZ OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE PARALYMPIC MOVEMENT ISSUE NO. 3 | 2016

www.paralympic.org

RIO 2016’S LEGACY The People’s Games PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 3

“The noise was incredible and the atmosphere like nothing I have ever experienced before at a Paralympics.”

The Rio 2016 surprised us all Another highlight for me was the appearances of and surpassed all expectations, despite the unique Ibrahim Al-Hussein and Sharad Nasajpour as part circumstances in which they were staged. of the fi rst Independent Paralympic Athletes team. Their performances delivered a message of hope Never before has a Paralympics been held in the and inclusion to the whole world. face of such economic and political turmoil, but the Games delivered against all odds. The Games were the most broadcast in history with over 154 countries showing the action, whilst more Paralympians are no strangers to overcoming than 1.5 billion people engaged in Rio 2016 via the challenges and I was overjoyed at how the Para- IPC’s online channels. lympic Movement came together to ensure the Games were a success. I am confi dent Rio 2016 will leave a lasting legacy for Latin America and March’s Youth Parapan To go from 200,000 ticket sales two weeks prior American Games at the Brazilian Paralympic to the Opening Ceremony to 2.15 million by the Committee’s Sao Paulo training centre is a fi ne time of the Closing was a huge achievement and example of that legacy in action. testament to the outstanding support of the Cariocas. Sadly Rio 2016 was not without tragedy; the pass- ing of Iranian cyclist Bahman Goldbarnezhad on The Rio 2016 Paralympics will be remembered as the penultimate day was a tremendous loss for the the People’s Games and the memory of the fi rst whole Paralympic Movement. Our thoughts remain Saturday, when more than 170,000 people fi lled with his family and friends and I encourage you all the , will live long into the mem- to read the fi tting tribute to him in this magazine. ory. The noise was incredible and the atmosphere like nothing I have ever experienced before at a Finally, next year The Paralympian will have a new Paralympics. look and will be published twice a year.

The one thing that did not surprise was the level I wish you all the best for 2017. of athletic performance; Rio 2016 was the best ever in this regard with athletes pushing their bod- ies to the absolute limits. A record 83 NPCs won a medal and one of the stand-out performances came from Iranian powerlifter Siamand Rahman. To lift 310kg – the equivalent of a large Siberian tiger – was one of the most remarkable perfor- Sir Philip Craven, MBE mances ever seen in sport. IPC President 4 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 CONTENTS CONTENTS THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 5

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06 PARALYMPIC NEWS 12 #ASKANATHLETE 13 DIGITAL BONUS

The IPC extended its partnerships with The fi rst Independent Paralympic Athletes’ How did Rio 2016’s digital numbers compare Allianz, BP and Ottobock; Proud Para- Team took part at Rio 2016. Hear from to London 2012? The fi gures will amaze you. lympian education programme re-launched Ibrahim Al-Hussein and Sharad Nasajpour and other major headlines in the Paralympic about their experiences. 19 Movement. 14 RIO 2016’S LEGACY 19 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW 50 FUTURE GAMES

Thanks to the Cariocas, Latin America’s fi rst A wrap-up of all 22 Paralympic sports, PyeongChang 2018 Test Events are set, while Paralympic Games had an atmosphere like including medals tables, personal athlete the Paralympic fl ag is touring Tokyo. no other and left a lasting impact on the re- accounts and stunning images. gion and global Movement.

52 UPCOMING EVENTS 54 ISSUE OF THE SEASON 56 FINAL WORD

World Championships in snowboard, alpine Norwegian rower Birgit Skarstein and World In memory of Iranian cyclist Bahman skiing, Nordic skiing and wheelchair curling Taekwondo Federation’s Olof Hansson share Golbarnezhad. all carry PyeongChang 2018 qualifi cation their thoughts on what sports making their implications. Paralympic debuts should do to continue developing.

THE PARALYMPIAN CONTACT IMAGES

Editor Craig Spence International Paralympic Committee © Photo Credits: OIS (p. 1/4/5/10/11/12/17/18/19/20/21/24/25/26/27/30/31/32/33/34/ Assistant Editor Ros Dumlao Adenauerallee 212-214 D-53113 Bonn, 35/36/37/38/39/42/43/44/45/49/54/58); Rio 2016 (p. 1/5/14/15/48/58); Contributor Hernan Goldzycher Getty Images (p. 6/12/17/18/20/21/22/23/25/26/28/29/32/33/34/35/36/ Tel. +49 228 2097-200 36/37/39/40/41/42/44/48/49/50/52/53); Cicero Rodriques (p. 5/38/51); Graphic Design designfee Bianca Werninghaus Fax +49 228 2097-209 Piotr Marek (p. 8); Wagner Meier (p. 8/16/37/56); Raphael Dias (p. 9); Art Editors Yosof Rohesh, Mariel Avalos, 123rf.com (p. 13/18); fl aticon (p.17); istockphoto.com (p. 17/54/55); [email protected] Dan Behr (p. 33); Igor Meijer/FISA (p. 35/55); Annika Zeyen www.paralympic.org Morten Olsen/NPC Denmark (p. 42); Yang Lei/Xinhua News (p. 45); Printing welzel + hardt GmbH Augusto Bizzi (p. 45/46/47); Richard Kalocsai (p. 42); NPC (p. 52); PRINT The views expressed in The Paralympian are not necessarily those of the IPC. In case of republication of any part of The Paralympian, please Sao Paulo 2017 (p. 53); Hadi Hassanzada (p. 54); NPC Iran (p. 56) send a copy to the IPC. The publisher reserves the right to edit submitted articles. The International Paralympic Committee endeavours to All rights reserved be as current and accurate as possible with this publication, aiming to treat all readers with courtesy and respect. We cannot guarantee © 2016 International Paralympic Committee however, that the information contained in this publication is complete and accurate in all respects and readers are taken to understand ISSN 1609-1329 and agree to this disclaimer upon reading any part of The Paralympian. No infringements upon any law, including sport regulations, from people within the photographs and/or featured in the magazine’s content were known at the time of publication. Articles, pictures and other written or graphic devices published in The Paralympian may not be reproduced without the prior written permission of the International Paralympic Committee. 6 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 PARALYMPIC NEWS PARALYMPIC NEWS THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 7

#ProudParalympians inspire at Rio 2016 + + NEWS IN-BRIEF + +

The IPC aims to continue the great success POPE: Pope Francis highlighted the impor- of Proud Paralympian through the Agitos tance the Paralympic Movement has for social Foundation into the future. inclusion at October’s ‘Sport at the Service of Humanity’s First Global Confer- ence on Sport and Faith.’ The fi rst Proud Paralympian Forum will be held in June 2017. This The Pope said: “The aims to bring together ath- Paralympic Move- ment and other letes involved in Para sport sporting associa- administration from all over tions sustaining the world, giving them the those with dis- abilities, such Hundreds of athletes from around the world tools they need to take the as the Special got their fi rst experience of the newly re- values of Proud Paralympian Members of Olympics, have launched athlete education programme, back to their countries and the Italian team had a decisive role in helping Proud Paralympian, at Rio 2016. organisations. take a selfi e with Pope Francis the public recog- nise and admire A dedicated space in the Athletes’ Dining More chances for athletes to the extraordinary performances of Hall was visited every day by athletes eager get involved through the National athletes with diff erent to have some fun and fi nd out more about Paralympic Committees and Interna- abilities and capacities.” how they could be Proud Paralympians tional Federations will also be available, and themselves. They had the chance to play an entirely new set of learning materials will BADMINTON: The Badminton World Feder- ation (BWF) awarded Para Badminton World games, receive career advice, learn about be launched in 2017. Championships 2017 to Ulsan, , the Paralympic Movement, and most impor- to be held 21-26 November. A press conference was held in Rio de Janiero regarding the suspension of the RPC, with (from left) IPC Governing Board member Todd Nicholson, NPC President Andrew Parsons, IPC President Sir Philip and IPC Media and Communications Director Craig Spence addressing the media tantly, engage with and vote in the Athletes’ Athletes who registered to receive up- Council elections. dates from Proud Paralympian will be kept SHOOTING PARA SPORT: World Shooting Para Sport extended its partnership with “Tragically this situation informed of any exciting new developments SIUS, the world’s leading producer of US swimmer Illeana Rodriguez, alpine and news from the programme. electronic scoring systems, as the Offi cial Russian Paralympic Committee suspended is not about athletes skiers Piotr Marek of and Arly Results and Target Systems Provider for the sport at regional, world and cheating the system, Velasquez of Mexico, Japanese Nordic Proud Paralympian can be followed events until 2024. On 7 August the IPC suspended from ’s ministry of sport Developed in consultation with but about a State-run skier Miki Matheson and her compatriot on social media: the Russian Paralympic Commit- between 2012 and 2015. WADA, the reinstatement crite- Eri Yamamoto were on hand to speak to CYCLING: Ireland’s Colin Lynch established @ProudPara tee (RPC) due to its inability to Evidence that 18 samples ria identify the core, high-level system that is cheating athletes as Proud Paralympians themselves. the fi rst ever offi cially sanctioned UCI Hour Record for Para cycling, since its regulations fulfi l its IPC membership respon- from Russian athletes com- requirements the RPC must the athletes.” ProudParalympian were extended to the discipline in 2016. sibilities and obligations, in par- peting at the Sochi 2014 Para- meet in order to be reinstated as Mexican javelin thrower Eliezer Gabriel and The mark of 43.133 km was achieved on 1 ProudParalympian ticular its obligation to comply lympic Winter Games had been an IPC member. “Although there is no timeline Ecuadorian runner Darwin Castro, who have October at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, Great Britain. with the IPC Anti-Doping Code tampered with was also found. for the RPC to implement the benefi tted from sports training given in the www.paralympic.org/athletes/ and the World Anti-Doping Code Supporting the reinstatement changes required, we want to Americas by the development arm of the proud-paralympian WADA: The World Anti-Doping Agency pub- (to which it is also a signatory). “Tragically this situation is not criteria are the underlying verifi - work closely with them in order IPC, the Agitos Foundation, had their photo lished the 2017 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods; along with the 2017 Summary about athletes cheating a sys- cation criteria, which set out cer- to bring about the necessary taken for a giant cover of the IPC’s magazine of Major Modifi cations and Explanatory Notes. The IPC’s decision, which tem, but about a State-run sys- tain specifi c matters that need to changes sooner, rather than The Paralympian. Independent Paralympic The List can be found at www.wada-ama.org. resulted in Russian athletes not tem that is cheating the ath- be rectifi ed by the RPC. later. Athletes’ Team members Ibrahim Al-Hussein being allowed to compete at letes,” said Sir Philip Craven in and Shahrad Nasajpour also received some WORLD PARA ATHLETICS: World Para Athletics reached a fi ve-year agreement with the Rio 2016 Paralympics, was announcing the RPC’s suspen- To assist with the reinstatement “The RPC is an important part of career counselling from Adecco. ASICS, the true sport performance brand as taken following the publication in sion. process, the IPC will be appoint- the Paralympic Movement and an Offi cial Partner through to 2020. ASICS will mid-July of the McLaren report – ing a taskforce that will work with its athletes want to be compet- provide apparel for all international offi cials It helps if you have a and World Para Athletics staff and focus on an investigation led by Professor An appeal to overturn the the RPC and assist the IPC in de- ing against the world’s best ath- the development and promotion of the sport plan or if you have Richard McLaren commissioned suspension by the RPC was termining whether the reinstate- letes on the international stage. and the Paralympic Movement. by the World Anti-Doping Agen- dismissed by the Court of ment criteria and underlying ver- With the RPC’s full co-operation mentors around you. cy (WADA) – and after allowing Arbitration for Sport (CAS) who ifi cation criteria have been met. and transparency, we will imme- WORLD PARA POWERLIFTING: Berck-sur- “Through the Proud Paralympian Mer, , will host the 2018 World Para the RPC to present its case in said the RPC did not provide any diately lift its suspension once Powerlifting European Open Championships programme, you will have people to both writing and in person. evidence contradicting the facts Sir Philip added: “The aim of we are confi dent that all rein- between 25-30 May. put forward by the IPC. the reinstatement criteria and statement criteria and verifi ca- talk with about your career after sports. McLaren’s report and subse- the IPC taskforce is to assist the tion criteria have been, and will WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL: Tenerife, “Some people do not think about that. , will host the European Championships quent investigations found that In November, the IPC informed RPC as much as we can in bring- continue to be, met in full.” for Men and Women Division A 2017, to They think about their sport career and the daily at least 11 positive drugs tests the RPC of the reinstatement ing about the signifi cant practi- be held 19 June – 1 July. The International Visit paralympic.org/ from Russian athletes involved criteria it must meet in order to cal and cultural changes that are routines but outside the box it is not easy.” Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) also russian-paralympic- launched a new website www.iwbf.org. in Paralympic sports were cov- have its IPC membership sus- required in order for it to fulfi l its committee-suspension for ered up by the Moscow anti- pension lifted. IPC membership obligations in complete information on Piotr Marek, Proud Paralympian ambassador doping laboratory on orders full. the RPC’s suspension. 8 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 PARALYMPIC NEWS PARALYMPIC NEWS THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 9

IPC Athletes’ Council members elected

Chelsey Gotell Monica Bascio Elvira Stinissen

Gizem Girismen Dame Sarah Storey

Whang Youn Dai Award Six members were elected to the IPC representing a 54 per cent overall turnout, committees and commissions as well as Athletes’ Council during the Rio 2016 Para- 8 percentage points more than London to create other opportunities for athlete The Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award which recognises athletes Games and since making her Paralympic debut 12 years ago she has lympic Games. 2012. representation both within and outside the overcoming adversity and putting the spirit of the Paralympic Games done much to raise the profi le of Para lympic sport around the world. IPC. into motion was presented at Rio 2016 to Ibrahim Al-Hussein and Four new members – swimmer Chelsey The IPC Athletes’ Council is made up of Tatyana McFadden. The Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award was fi rst presented at the Gotell (), cyclists Dame Sarah Storey nine athletes in total, which includes the The three winter sport council members Seoul 1988 Paralympics and has been awarded at every Games (Great Britain) and Monica Bascio (USA) and aforementioned six summer athletes and will be elected at the PyeongChang 2018 Syrian refugee Al-Hussein received the accolade after representing since. The award was named after a South Korean doctor who wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley (Australia) – three winter athletes, as well as chairper- Paralympic Winter Games. the fi rst ever Independent Paralympic Athletes’ Team in swimming. contracted polio aged three and went on to develop Paralympic will join two re-elected members: sitting son Todd Nicholson. For US wheelchair racer McFadden, Rio 2016 was her fourth Summer sport around the world. volleyball player Elvira Stinissen (Nether- lands) and archer Gizem Girismen (Turkey). It works to provide effective input into deci- sion-making at all levels of the organisation. www.paralympic.org/the-ipc/councils The elections took place from 5-16 Septem- To this end, the Council’s aim is to ensure The IPC extends partnerships Inclusion Summit ber with 2,355 athletes placing their votes, effective athlete representation on all IPC groups/ParaAthleteClub

The IPC extended its partnerships with a strengths of people with an impairment. More than 200 people attended the 2016 number of organisations in the days dur- Apart from the global co-operation, 14 IPC Academy Inclusion Summit which took Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame ing and after Rio 2016. Allianz subsidiaries support National place during two days of the Rio Paralym- Paralympic Committees in Australia, pics. Switzerland’s multi-talented Franz Nietlis- Ottobock underlined its “Passion for Argentina, Colombia, Croatia, Czech pach competed in nine Paralympics between Paralympics” by extending its world- Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Opened by a video address from Ban Ki- 1976 and 2008, across athletics, handcy- wide partnership until the end of 2020. Greece, , Ireland, Mexico, Moon, the UN Secretary General spoke cling and table tennis collecting 23 medals, A worldwide partner since 2005, Otto- Slovakia, Sri Lanka and Switzerland. about how sport is a catalyst for inclusion including 14 golds. bock is the longest serving partner to and how the Paralympic Movement has the Paralympic Games having provided BP has renewed its international part- been a close ally in the implementation of New Zealand’s four-time Paralympian Neroli technical services for equipment used nership through to the end of 2020, the UN Convention on the Rights of Per- Susan Fairhall passed away in 2006 aged 61 by Paralympians since the Seoul 1988 having fi rst joined forces with the IPC in sons with Disabilities. and was inducted posthumously in Rio. An Paralympic Games. 2013. In addition to its support for the archery gold medallist at the Arnhem 1980 IPC, BP currently supports 10 NPCs – The summit was divided into three themes Paralympics, Fairhall made history by com- Over the next four years the two organ- Angola, , Georgia, the Neth- – understanding inclusion, inclusive lead- peting at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics. isations are committed to growing par- erlands, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, ership and delivering inclusion – and at- ticipation at every level and using sport Great Britain, USA, Germany and Singa- tracted delegates from Organising Commit- The USA’s Martin Morse served as the head to improve the quality of life and socio- pore. tees, Candidate Cities, government bodies coach for the University of Illinois Wheel- economic opportunities for people living and suppliers to major events and educa- chair Track and Road Racing Team from with an impairment. Away from sponsorship, the IPC an- tional institutions. 1981-2004, a time that saw his athletes win nounced it had signed a letter of intent 52 Paralympic medals. Away from the track Building on 10 years of successful with Channel 4 for the broadcaster to Speakers at the Inclusion Summit, which Morse has also developed equipment and partnership to increase awareness of remain as Great Britain’s Paralympic formed part of the 2016 IPC Academy techniques to improve the sport of wheel- Paralympic sports, Allianz expressed its rights holder until 2020. Campus, included Sir Philip Craven; Four Paralympians, with 66 Paralympic med- who, during his athletic career, founded the chair racing. intent to continue supporting the IPC as Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Disability als between them, and a leading coach were Paralympians Association of in 2003. an international partner for a further four In line with the broadcaster’s unique Advisor of the World Bank; and Shanthi inducted into the Visa Paralympic Hall of Launched in 2006 by founding partner Visa, years. public service remit, it is anticipated Flynn, Chief HR Officer, Adecco, one of the Fame during Rio 2016. Wheelchair racer is the the Paralympic Hall of Fame aims to recog- that Channel 4 will cover the Pyeong- Inclusion Summit’s partners. The event most-decorated female track Paralympian nise retired athletes and coaches who have The partnership is a strong signal for Chang 2018 and Tokyo 2020 Paralym- was hosted by Paralympians Lord Chris Having competed at six Paralympics be- having won 14 Paralympic titles between a track record of excellent athletic perfor- growing mutual understanding and an pic Games, as well as the London 2017 Holmes MBE, Helene Raynsford and tween 1992 and 2012, Junichi Kawai is Ja- 1992 and 2008. In Rio, she was the Chef de mance, history of fair play and participation increasing awareness of the special World Para Athletics Championships. Katrina Webb. pan’s most successful male Para swimmer Mission of the Canadian team. in community activities. 10 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 PARALYMPIC NEWS PARALYMPIC NEWS THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 11

Anthony Edgar, Head of Media Bob Martin, OIS Chief Craig Spence, IPC Media and The OIS is a professional sports Operation and Head of the OIS Photographer, added: “OIS Communications Director, said: information service established for the International Olympic photos were far more success- “We were excited about the under Olympic Agenda 2020 to OIS provides breath- Committee said: “OIS is an excit- ful than we had expected with idea of providing images of the support and cover the Olympic ing new way forward delivering publications across the world highest quality free of charge to Games, Paralympic Games and a turnkey solution for OCOGs. such as the Japan Times to The media, athletes, NPCs, IFs, and Youth Olympic Games. taking images of Rio The OIS in Rio did not replace publishing the Paralympic fans worldwide. The the importance of the press; it photos, culminating in three results in terms of the quality of View more OIS photos from the simply supported their reporting double pages in Sports Illus- the images as well as the global Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at 2016 Paralympics of the Paralympics.” trated and four double pages in reach exceeded our expecta- www.oisphotos.com L’Equipe Magazine. Many news tions and we are very pleased “We look forward to furthering websites also extensively used that OIS photos will come back The Rio 2016 Paralympics were All photos were made the possibilities in PyeongChang our Paralympic photos such as for the PyeongChang 2018 the setting for a ground-break- available via a custom website for the Winter Games in March BBC, Mail online, Yahoo, CNN, to Paralympic Winter Games.” ing programme in which images www.OISPhotos.com license- 2018,” Edgar said. mention just a few.” captured by some of the world’s free to NPCs, International and best sports photographers were National Para Sport Federations made freely available to news and the media worldwide. organisations, online and across social media platforms. The , , AFP, Getty Images and EPA For the fi rst time in Paralympic news agencies each distributed Games history, the Olympic In- OIS images on their wire servic- formation Service (OIS) provided es, which gave the Paralympics this unique, professional sports unprecedented global media photography experience to reach. spread the colour, passion and excitement of the Paralympicslympics OSOIS photosphotos reached eac ed around the world. mmillionsillions throughthrough FFacebook,acebook, beingbeing Behind the lenses werere fourfour shared by IPIPC,C, multi-award winning SportsSports NNPC,PC, IFsIFs,, athletesathletes,, Illustrated photographers:rs: Bob ththeireir friendsfriends andand Martin, Simon Bruty, All Tiele- ffamilies.amilies. mans and Tom Lovelock.

The photos produced byy thesethese extraordinary photographersraphers embodied the Paralympicc SpiritSpirit and displayed the Paralympicalympic values of courage, determina-ermina- tion, inspiration and equality.ality. 12 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 #ASKANATHLETE DIGITAL BONUS THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 13

The fi rst refugee athletes formed part of the Independent Paralympic Athletes’ (IPA) Team at Rio 2016. Syrian born swimmer Ibrahim Al-Hussein and Iranian discus thrower Sharad Nasajpour comprised the team and shared their Rio experience. TThenhen The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games was a digital success! nnowow The IPC’s various social media channels (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) saw signifi cant growth from four years ago. Check out how Rio 2016 compared digitally to London 2012. Ibrahim Al-Hussein234.926 SharadS Nasajpour

It was a great opportunity to participate in Rio and opened my horizons. I was Rio was my biggest ever sport event and depending only on myself and some local being part of such a big event was a great How would you describe TOTALTTOOTA ENGAGEMENTS support in order to solve issues concerning experience. You compete with the best L ENGA my training and participation in sport your fi rst Paralympics? in the world, and it made me more determined GEME events before the Games. Thanks to Rio, to keep going and try harder in all I do. NTS I now have a bigger support group.

It means sending my message that we are ready to compete and achieve good Both of us have had the same situation results, like any team or athlete. Yes we are What did it mean for you as a dislocated person in a new country. refugees, but we can also be athletes, poets, 46469,077,7909,077,790 to be on the IPA Team and We have had many barriers to get over. professionals in many other areas. TAL REACH* But we didn’t give up and continued our 1,572,7331,57 TOTALTO REACH* share the experience with 2,733 career and fought through all diffi culties, 676,82867 You learn a lot when you share the experience 6,82 then made it to Rio. 8 with someone. With Sharad, I learned your teammate? many humanity and sporting lessons. LondonLond 2012 Rio 2016 It caused a big transition again in my life. on 201 Everything in my life has changed I moved from the East Coast in USA to the 2 after Rio. I feel like I have more freedom, West Coast in Phoenix, Arizona, to train and Rii How much has changed o 200116 03 more dreams, more desire to complete my get better results in upcoming competitions. 9494,572,703,572,7 sporting experience every day and after Rio? I have to begin everything again, since I achieve better results. had no family and friends in Phoenix, which made everything harder. Rio 2016 LondonLondon 22012012 Rio 2016 My athletic goal was to perform in my sport I am disappointed with my result because at the highest international level, which I I had better marks in training but couldn’t *The number of people who have seen the story/post. achieved at Rio 2016. During the Games, I did What did you make of your get there in the competition due to my TOTALTTOTAL VIDEO VIVIEWSWWSS not except to achieve results that would win results from Rio? insuffi cient training over last year. Rio was me a medal. But I am trying to get better and I my second competition in the year after the am training every day. US Para lympic Trials. 71,112,90371,112,99003 Yes, the next step is Tokyo 2020, Are you looking to compete Next for sure is the World Championships in and it has been a goal for me since London. I need to get ready for it and also my fi rst day returning from Rio. at Tokyo 2020? other Grand Prix events, then Tokyo 2020. TOTALTO FOLLOWERS GAINED TAL FO LLOWER Facebook.com/IndependentParalympicAthletes S GAIN 5,524,8765,52424,876 ED

293,23229 LondonLoonndon 22012012 RRio 20201616 3,232 17177,262 7,262

LondonLondon 2012 Rio 2016 2012 Rio 2016 14 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 MOVEMENT GOING GLOBAL RIO‘S 2016 LEGACY THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 15

Sprinter Petrucio Ferreira said after his 100m T47 heat race: “I came here today to give my best and go into the fi nal. But at the time I entered the stadium and I saw it was packed, and the supporters shouting, suddenly my Loud and clear – legs became so happy and they ran alone – and I went behind them.”

Silvania Costa de Oliveira, champion in the women’s long jump T11, said after her Rio 2016 the victory: “Since August I’ve felt the great support from the Brazilian people and this victory is like a cake where everyone who contributed with an ingredient can join the celebration party.”

People’s Games It was also a special experience for non- Brazilian athletes.

The Cariocas created an atmosphere The sculpture of the Paralympic symbol was made of recycled plastic, consisting of diff erent textures and “I’ve never been booed in my lifetime, but smells, thus being a source of inclusion and interactivity Brazil put it on,” Australian wheelchair rugby like no other as the Paralympics player said. “They are passionate razil’s most popular Para athlete More than 2.15 million tickets were sold at fans and it was probably the best crowd I’ve left a lasting legacy on Brazil, Latin America was nowhere in sight, but Rio 2016, making it the second biggest in played in front of.” Bfans were already chanting his name this regard. The ticket sales overtook and the global Movement. minutes ahead of his fi rst race inside the 2008 (1.8 million); London 2012 saw the The people’s jovial spirit did not stop at sports Aquatics Stadium. most ticket sales (2.72 million). as thousands packed into the Maracana Stadium for both the Opening and Closing When he touched the wall for his fi rst of four On Saturday 10 September, the third day of Ceremonies. gold medals, the noise exceeded any level sporting competition, the Olympic Park was the Paralympic Games, arguably, had expe- fi lled with a record 170,000 visitors – 13,000 With the passion the Cariocas brought to rienced before. more than the busiest day during the Olym- their home Games, IPC President Sir Philip pics. Craven awarded them the Paralympic Or- Perhaps the closest would be from London der, the highest honour a person or group of 2012, when an 80,000 capacity crowd at the Rio residents – also known as Cariocas – people connected with the Movement can Olympic Stadium chanted Jonnie Peacock’s truly turned up and embraced Latin receive. name before the British sprinter won gold in America’s fi rst ever Paralympics, making it the 100m T44 fi nal. extra special for the 278 athletes that were “Welcome as members to the Paralympic part of Brazil’s biggest ever team. Movement. Muito Obrigado, Cariocas,” Sir But that electric, ear-piercing atmosphere Philip said. was replicated for nearly every Brazilian ath- lete during Rio 2016, exemplifying just what made it the People’s Games.

People’s passion Infant ear-protectors were a popular sight at the Aquatics Stadium.

At the – Pavilion 6, Brazilians stomped on the metal-rattling bleachers to cheer on their men’s and women’s sitting vol- leyball teams in their bronze medal matches.

Spectators packed the Olympic Arena from bottom to top, and erupted when their men’s wheelchair basketball team won a thrilling one-point game over Australia.

“The crowd was like a sixth player for us – they really helped us,” said wheelchair bas- ketball player Leandro de Miranda. Kids interacted with Paralympians and tried out diff erent Para sports at the Olympic Park RIO‘S 2016 LEGACY THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 17

major milestone was achieved at Rio “In general we started to work with Para 15 more than in London. This haul included 2016 with more countries than ever athletes in 2007. Our aim was to develop two golds, Colombia’s fi rst Paralympic titles A before winning Paralympic medals to Paralympic sport like the Olympic sports.” for 36 years. underline the growing strength of Para sport around the world. Yuldasheva mentioned another element: “We implemented a strategy covering the “We have sponsors so we have the money to whole Colombian sport in every region, club, In total 83 countries fi nished on the podi- help the athletes prepare in the best possible national federation and institute to raise um at least once. Cape Verde, Mozambique, conditions. awareness of the importance of developing Qatar and Uganda all won their maiden Para sports,” said David Acosta, Colombian Paralympic medals while Kazakhstan (one “During recent years, we have been organis- Paralympic Committee Sports Director. gold), Georgia (one gold), Malaysia (three ing training camps and Uzbekistani coaches golds), Uzbekistan (eight golds) and Vietnam attended some others abroad to gain more “For this period of four years, Para athletes (one gold) topped the podium for the fi rst knowledge.” had the support they never had before. time. Besides, we conducted a study to check Judokas were among Uzbekistan’s strongest which sports we had more chances of win- Having won a solitary silver medal at London representatives. In Rio, they won three golds, ning medals at the Paralympic Games and 2012, Uzbekistan arguably fi nished Rio as one silver and six bronzes, overtaking swim- focused our eff orts on those, prioritising the most improved nation having claimed 37 ming and athletics as the country’s top sport. them. medals (eight gold, six silver and 17 bronz- es). Akhmatjanov believes there is a historic rea- “We also performed monthly checks on son behind the nation’s success in judo. some of the best Para athletes to deter- “London 2012 was the country’s third par- mine if there was something, either mental ticipation at the Paralympic Games so we “It is Uzbek Kurashlari ‘wrestling,’” he said. or physical, which could aff ect them when More than 15,000 children were able to attend the Paralympic Games after the global crowdfunding #FilltheSeats campaign raised more than USD 450,000 and still had to learn a lot. And we did,” Navruza “This is a historical type of sport coming from competing. surpassed all initial goals Yuldasheva, Uzbekistan National Paralympic our parents and grandparents. Judo looks sport nations. Sustainability was another key legacy, and almost two-thirds of the on-screen talent had Association Executive Director, explained. like this Uzbek Kurashlari but it has its own “At Rio 2016, we raised the bar pretty high Leaving a legacy that was evident when the sculpture of an impairment – to front 700 hours of live rules.” and achieved national visibility. Now more As prepared to welcome the Paralympic symbol was unveiled on and online coverage. Uzbekistan, who made its Paralympic debut people know what Para sports are about and 4,316 athletes from 159 countries, accessi- Copacabana Beach. in 2004 with just one athlete, sent 32 athletes Yuldasheva added: “Judo is the most pop- the media is paying more attention to them.” bility was a . Channel 4’s impact in recruiting such a to Rio, 22 more than it did for London 2012. ular sport in Uzbekistan and we organised The Agitos were made of recycled plastic diverse range of presenters for London 2012 training camps with Japanese and Korean Swimming sensation Carlos Serrano, who The newly built Olympic Tennis Centre, with with diff erent textures and smells, thus being rubbed off on those covering Rio 2016, with “We talked with other NPC staff and coach- judokas and coaches, who we consider to be won a gold, silver and bronze medal in Rio, its shades of yellow, orange and red, stood a source of inclusion and interactivity. It was most broadcasters employing a number of es, and learned what they were doing to win some of the best in the world?” said: “This unprecedented performance out at the Park, with ramps spiraling around part of the eff ort to raise awareness of the people with an impairment. more medals,” said NPC Uzbekistan pres- showed that Colombia is improving step by the venue. Home of events, impact on the planet caused by the use and ident Umid Akhmatjanov. “How are they Another country who did better than ever step. All the athletes gave their best in Rio the permanent centre court is one of the improper disposal of plastic. Paralympic.org also showed live coverage of training with athletes, what they are doing before in Rio was Colombia with the South and they know it, whether they achieved Games’ biggest sporting legacies. The Future 13 sports and live results from all 22 sports; for achieving good results? American country wining 17 medals, their goals or not.” Arena, a temporary venue that hosted goal- the IPC’s digital media activities engaged Media mania ball, will be dismantled and put toward the more than one billion people. A GLANCE AT UZBEKISTAN’S AND COLOMBIA’S DEVELOPMENT construction of four public schools in the city. The Paralympic Games generated record See how their athlete participation and medal hauls compare since their Paralympic debuts, London 2012 and Rio 2016. levels of media and broadcast coverage. A Sombre moment Paralympic champions Felipe Gomes, Daniel record 154 countries, 39 more than London rlos Serr Ca an er o Tavares Martins and Ricardo Costa Oliveira 2012, covered the Games by television, radio Amid the joys and thrills of the Games, there m im were also honoured by having schools named and online outlets. was a moment of silence during the Closing w s after them. Ceremony in tribute to Iranian cyclist Bah- n a

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U b The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) man Golbarnezhad, who died while compet- z

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A newly built and accessible transportation recorded new highs in viewing fi gures, as 54 ing in a road cycling event. k z o is o C ta m hub “the Paralympic Terminal” linked the EBU members – more than half of the broad- n a i N jud od fully accessible Transolimpica BRT with an casters on-site – covered the Games thanks The Iranian men’s sitting volleyball team paid oka Sherz existing Transoeste BRT passageway that to a rights deal negotiated by the EBU with tribute to their teammate before and after helped fans and athletes get from one clus- the IPC. their gold medal match, cradling a picture of ter to another. him during the national anthems and medal France Télévisions broadcasted more than ceremony. The Games also prompted the building of the 100 hours of live programming on France Brazilian Paralympic Training Centre in Sao 2 and 4 as well as a series of special pro- During the Closing Ceremony the IPC Paulo, something unique in South America, grammes and documentaries. The fi rst week- President said that Golbarnezhad’s death where future Paralympians can benefi t from end of the Games reached audiences of 1.3 “aff ected us all and left the whole Paralympic world-class training facilities. The train- to 1.8 million viewers. Movement united in grief. Tonight, I would ing centre, which provides both indoor and like you to join me in paying our condolences outdoor facilities for 14 Paralympic sports, Once again British broadcaster Channel 4 to his family, friends, his teammates and the will host March’s Youth Parapan American raised the bar in how to cover Para sport, people of Iran.” Games. assembling a talented team of presenters – Paralympic debut: Paralympic debut: Athens 2004 London 2012Rio 2016 Toronto 1976 London 2012 Rio 2016 18 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 BY THE NUMBERS RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 19 2 220 sports world records … made their Paralympic debuts: canoe and . RIO 2016 6 by the countries numbers

… made their Paralympic debuts: Aruba, Congo, Malawi, Somalia, Sao Tome & Principe and Tonga. 1,669 female athletes 7 2.46 medalsals metres high … is the Iranian + sitting volleyball player … competed in Rio, Morteza Mehrzadselakjani, a record number which doubled the tallest Paralympian the one from 1996. in history. … were won by Belarus’ in review swimmer Ihar Boki, who Engagement of ended as Rio 2016’s most Latin America’s fi rst Paralympic decorated Paralympian. 1.5B Games came to a close with plenty of people memorable sporting performances. 83 Here is a look back at what happened … by the IPC’s digital in each of the 22 sports. countries >1 media activities won around the world. … at least one Paralympic medal, the most ever in the history of the Games.

Games coverage in 2.15 M 154 sold tickets countries

… making Latin America’s fi rst Paralympic Games … by television, ththe second biggest ever in this regard, radio and online outlets. only behind London 2012. 20 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO O 20201616 IN REVREVIEWIEW RIO 201620161 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 21

Great Britain 3 2 1 6 32 23 12 67

China 3205 United States 16 15 11 42

Iran 2114 Great Britain 15 7 11 33 Archer y Athletics Great Britain topped the medals table whilst Chinese athletes once again topped the ath- Iran’s Zahra Nemati repeated her historic letics medals table for a fourth successive gold medal success from London 2012. Paralympics with T53 racer Zhou Hong- zhuan leading the way, winning three golds The British had their most successful and one silver. Paralympic showing, especially in the women’s individual W1 category where The USA’s Tatyana McFadden was the stand- Jessica Stretton, Jo Frith and Vicky Jen- out athlete of the Games winning four golds kins completed a sweep of the podium. and two silvers in the T54 class to round-out Frith and John Walker then partnered up her best Paralympics. for gold in the mixed team W1. The men’s 1,500m T13 fi nal provided the China was not far behind in the biggest talking point however, with the top medal standings. The wom- four fi nishers all clocking times faster than en’s individual com- the gold medallist in the Rio Olympics. pound open was an all-Chinese show- For the home fans, there was much to cheer. down for gold and Petruccio Ferreira took gold in the 100m saw Zhou Jiamin T47, and smashed a 16-year-old world defeat her team- record along the way, whilst siblings Ricardo mate Lin Yueshan in a and Silvania Costa de Oliveira both won their thrilling shootout. respective long jump T11 events.

After competing at the One of the most engaging events for the Olympics weeks earlier, crowd was the men’s high jump T42 which all eyes were on Ne- was eventually won by India’s Mariyappan mati who, at London Thangavelu. 2012, made history by becoming the fi rst In total 69 world records were set at the Iranian woman to win Olympic Stadium during 10 days of competi- Olympic or Paralym- tion which attracted 1,136 athletes from 146 pic gold. She lived up participating countries. to the hype, defending her women’s individu- al recurve open title.

TOP 3 PERFORMERS TOP 3 PERFORMERS ZAHRA NEMATI (IRI) JOHN WALKER (GBR) ZHOU JIAMIN (CHN) OMARA DURAND (CUB) (SUI) LIAM MALONE (NZL) Iran’s fl agbearer during the Olym- Beat the Czech Republic’s No. 1 Won double gold (women’s The T12 sprinter lived up to the In his fourth Paralympics, the At his debut Paralympics, Malone pics Opening Ceremony reaffi rmed David Drahoninsky in a tight individual compound and mixed expectations by sealing a hat-trick Swiss world record holder and won medals and set Paralympic her dominance in the women’s 141-139 victory; left Rio with two team compound open) in her of titles. She set blistering world multi-world and European cham- records in each of his three events. individual recurve open with gold; golds (men’s recurve and mixed Paralympic debut; only one of two records in the 100m (11.40) and pion fi nally won gold, topping the He took gold over 200m and 400m was also part of the mixed team team W1). archers to bag two gold medals the 400m (51.77), and a Games podium in both the men’s 800m T44 and silver in the 100m. that won recurve open silver. in Rio. record in the 200m (23.05). and marathon T54 events. 22 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|20120166 XYZRIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEWXYZ THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 23

Zhou Hongzhuan

The T53 athlete won three golds (400m, 800m and 4x400m relay) and a silver in 100m, while breaking two world records.

My favourite moment from Rio 2016 was defi nitely when I was standing top of the podium, while staring at the Chinese fl ag being risen and listening to my country’s national anthem. I will never forget that.” 24 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 25

Hong Kong’s Yuk Wing Leung, the 2004 champion and 2008 silver medalist in the individual BC4, made up for not medalling at London 2012 by claiming his second Paralympic gold in Rio.

Thailand 2 1 2 5 After winning four medals, including three Great Britain 3 0 2 5 South Korea 1113 golds at London 2012, Brazil was hoping for Australia 1113 similar success on home soil. Although they Brazil 1102 did not manage any individual medals, they 1102 enjoyed success in the pairs events. Slovakia 1102

Antonio Leme, Elvani Soares da Silva and Canoe Evelyn de Oliveira clinched Brazil’s lone gold Great Britain stole the show in the sport’s Boccia in the pairs BC3. Defending BC4 champions Paralympic debut as Jeanette Chippington Thailand emerged as the sport’s power- Eliseu dos Santos, Dirceu Pinto and Marcelo (KL1), Emma Wiggs (KL2) and Anne house, winning every medal event they com- dos Santos had to settle for silver as the trio Dickins (KL3) all won their respective races. peted in, including the all-Thai individual of Samuel Andrejcik, Robert Durkovic and Swimmer-turned-canoer Chippington edged BC2 fi nal. Compatriots Worawut Saengampa Michaela Balcova won gold and Slovakia’s Germany’s Edina Muller by just 0.114 and Watcharaphon Vongsa dueled for the fi rst Paralympic medal in the sport. seconds in a thrilling fi nish to seal gold and gold, with Vongsa defeating the her 13th Paralympic medal. defending world champion 5-4. Two bronze medals from Ian Marsden (KL1) and Nick Beighton (KL2) in the men’s events added to the British haul.

The great rivalry in the men’s KL2 between Australia’s Curtis McGrath and ’s six-time world champion Markus Swoboda lived up to expectations. McGrath showed that his gold medal from the 2016 International Canoe Federation (ICF) World Championships was no fl uke, as he beat Swoboda by 1.5 seconds for the gold.

The men’s KL1 was the most unpredictable, with neither Bra- zil’s Luis Cardoso (2015 world champion) or China’s Xiaowei Yu (2016 world champion) making the podium. In fact, it was Poland’s Jakub Tokarz, the runner-up in both the last two Worlds Championships, who topped the podium.

TOP 3 PERFORMERS TOP 3 PERFORMERS WATCHARAPHON VONGSA (THA) YUK WING LEUNG (HKG) DAVID SMITH (GBR) CURTIS MCGRATH (AUS) SERHII YEMELIANOV (UKR) JEANETTE CHIPPINGTON (GBR) Left Rio as a double gold medallist , Took his third Paralympic medal Won the individual BC1 cate- After handing Markus Swoboda Defeated Germany’s three-time BeatB close rival Edina Muller defeating reigning world champion (fi rst gold since Athens 2004) gory, beating Thailand’s No. 1 his fi rst fi nals loss at the 2016 world champion Tom Kierey in the byb the tightest of margins for her Worawut Saengampa in the individual in the individual BC4, the most ranked and defending Paralympic Worlds, McGrath followed up fi ve KL3 by just 0.1 seconds, about fi rst Paralympic medal since she BC2 fi nal and helping his team win competitive category. champion Pattaya Tadtong along months later with another upset at the same margin he lost to Kierey was a swimmer at Athens 2004. the pairs event. the way. Rio 2016 to stamp his authority. back at the 2016 Worlds. 26 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 27

Great Britain 8 2 2 12 Germany 8 3 3 14 Great Britain 7 4 0 11

China 3227 Italy 52512 The Netherlands 1247

The Netherlands 2338 Great Britain 4149 Austria 1102

Belgium 1102

Cycling Norway 1102 Great Britain led the cycling track medals 15 years after the life-changing accident table and fi nished third in the cycling that cost him his legs. road events to top the sport’s overall standings. They picked up three gold The Brazilian crowd who attended the Eques trian medals courtesy of Sarah Storey, who Rio Olympic for the track events After the Dutch threatened Great Britain’s became Britain’s most decorated female and for the road competition also had dominance at the 2016 European Paralympian amassing 14 golds, eight silvers a reason to celebrate as Lauro Chaman won Championships, British riders responded by and three bronzes. his country’s fi rst two cycling Paralympic winning seven out of 11 medal events in Rio. medals, a bronze in the men’s road time trial British success included the coveted team Ukraine enjoyed medal success through C5 and a silver in the road race C5. title, an event they have won at every major Yegor Dementyev, who claimed two golds Championships since the early 90s. in the C5 class, whilst Italy’s former On the penultimate day of the Games, Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi added two Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad died The Netherlands’ lone gold came from Sanne golds and one silver to his Paralympic haul in an accident in the men’s C4-5 road event. Voets in the individual freestyle grade III. European champion Rixt van der Horst was just a point shy of gold in the individual free- style grade II, which went to Great Britain’s Natasha Baker. Teammate Demi Vermeulen also had to settle for silver behind Baker in the individual test grade II.

Brazil’s grade Ia rider Sergio Oliva was his country’s best medal prospect in the sport and did not disappoint. Fractions short of winning silver in both the individual champi- onship and freestyle tests grade 1a, his two bronze medals meant the world to him as he dropped to his knees with emotion after win- ning his second medal.

TOP 3 PERFORMERS TOPTOP 3 PERFORMERS ALYDAA NORBRUIS (NED) HANS-PETER DURST (GER) (RSA) SERGIO OLIVA (BRA) PEPO PUCH (AUT) NATASHA BAKER (GBR) NorbruisN showed big The 58-year-old was the fastest At his seventh Paralympic Oliva broke Europe’s stranglehold Won gold in the individual Won two individual grade II golds, improvementim from her lone on the road, as he sealed gold in Games, his third as a cyclist, over the medals by taking bronze championship test grade 1b – including a narrow victory over LondonL 2012 silver. In Rio, both the men’s road race and the former swimmer and in the individual and freestyle arguably the most competitive strong competition from Dutch she won two golds and the time trial T-2, proving age is track and fi eld athlete won gold grade 1a; only the second Brazilian class –by one point; took silver rider Rixt van der Horst in the a bronze in the C2 class. no barrier. in the men’s road race H5. to win a medal in the sport. in the individual freestyle. freestyle; helped her nation win the team championships. 28 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 29

Jefi nho Three-time Paralympian, key off ensive player who helped Brazil win their fourth straight title.

The match against China, in which I scored the two winning goals, was my best ever playing for the national team. I am not sure if those were the two nicest goals I have I did not ever scored but defi nitely the most expect so many people to attend the important ones.” Paralympic Games. They went to watch athletes competing and not people with disabilities.”

It is hard to stay on top for a long time. This ongoing challenge makes me want to win more.” 30 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 31

Following a 1-0 victory over Iran in the fi nal, the Rio 2016 hosts maintained their 100 per BrazilB il cent record in this sport since it was intro- Ukraine Iran duced into the Paralympics in 2004. Iran

Argentina With Jefi nho living up to his billing as the Brazil “Paralympic Pele” by scoring a number of outstanding goals that went viral on social Football 5 media, Brazil triumphed over the Asian Football 7 Superstars Jefi nho and Ricardinho paved champions. After an eight year absence, There were no surprises at Rio 2016, with the way on home soil for Brazil to win a fourth Argentina made the podium once again the pre-competition favourites taking the successive Paralympic gold in sensational securing bronze with a penalty shoot-out win podium positions. style. over China. World No.1 Ukraine remained undefeated throughout the competition to claim their third football 7-a-side Paralympic gold following a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Iran in the fi nal.

The Rio 2016 hosts also had a Games to remember defeating the Netherlands 3-1 in the bronze-medal match to reach their fi rst Paralympic podi- um in 12 years. Brazil had lost to Iran at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 to end fourth at both Para lympics.

TOP 3 PERFORMERS TOPTO 3 PERFORMERS JEFINHO (BRA) SILVIO VELO (ARG) BEHZADB ZADALIASGHARI (IRI) VOLODYMYR ANTONIUK (UKR) LEANDRO GONCALVES MEHDIM JAMALI (IRI) His stunning two goals in the The Argentinian legend, a two- HHis goal against Morocco The 37-year-old was undoubtedly DO AMARAL (BRA) TheT midfi elder was Iran’s key semi-fi nal against China made time world champion, ended his aafter dribbling past the entire the most valuable player of the He was fundamental in the player.p He netted three goals in him the talk of social media successful career in the sport African team had to be seen to be competition, ending as the host nation winning bronze, the semi-fi nals against Brazil with online users in awe at his by winning his third Paralympic believed, a sensational strike. top scorer with seven goals and scoring a hat-trick as Brazil and scored the equaliser in the skill level. medal. leading Ukraine to the Paralympic defeated the Netherlands 3-1. fi nal against Ukraine to force title. extra-time. 32 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 33

at both 2000 and Beijing 2008, and fi nishing fourth at London 2012 and the 2014 World Championships. Men Lithuania USA Brazil Uzbekistan 3 1 6 10

Women Turkey China USA They fi nally claimed Paralympic gold China 2002 following a 14-8 win over the USA in the fi nal. World champions Brazil completed the Mexico 2002 Goalball podium with victory over for bronze. New Paralympic champions were crowned at After winning the European title last year, Judo Rio 2016 with Lithuania’s men and Turkey’s Turkey’s women added the Para lympic Uzbekistan surprisingly topped the medals women winning their maiden titles. crown as they ensured China had to table in judo with 10 medals, three of which settle for a bittersweet silver medal for were gold thanks to male judokas Sherzod Lithuania have been consistently amongst a third consecutive Games. The USA collect- Namozov (-60kg), Utkirjon Nigmatov (-66kg) the top teams in recent years, taking silver ed bronze after beating Brazil. and Adiljan Tuledibaev (+100kg).

China’s over 70kg world champion Yuan Yanping extended her winning streak to three Paralympic Games as she added Rio 2016 gold to the crowns she had won at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

A fi nal that will long be remembered is the women’s up to 57kg between Ukraine’s world No.1 Inna Cherniak and Brazil’s Lu- cia Araujo, with the former taking the title in front of a huge vocal crowd.

Mexico’s Lenia Ruvalcaba claimed the va- cant women’s up to 70kg throne following the retirement of Spain’s triple Paralympic champion Carmen Herrera, whilst Brazil’s four-time Paralympic champion Antonio Ten- orio made history by sealing his sixth consec- utive medal at a Paralympic Games, a silver in the up to 100kg.

TOP 3 PERFORMERS TOP 3 PERFORMERS GENRIK PAVLIUKIANEC (LTU) SEDA YILDIZ (TUR) LEOMON MORENO (BRA) SHERZOD NAMOZOV (UZB) YUAN YANPING (CHN) ANTONIO TENORIO (BRA) He was fundamental in Lithuania’s The 17-year-old was an all-around Brazil once again reached the The 24-year-old beat Uruguay’s No judoka seems to be close to With the silver he won in Rio success in Rio, scoring 35 points key player in the fi nals, scoring one goalball Paralympic podium and Henry Borges, Azerbaijan’s putting an end to the Chinese (-100kg), the four-time Para lympic throughout the tournament, of Turkey’s four goals and making Moreno had much to do with defending gold medallist Ramin athlete’s winning streak after champion sealed a record six including eight in the fi nal against 25 blocks (second most on the that, scoring four points in the Ibrahimov and Japan’s Makoto she secured her third successive medals in six Paralympics and the USA. team). 6-5 victory over Sweden in the Hirose all by ippon for his fi rst Paralympic gold, winning the suggested he could even go bronze-medal match. Paralympic title in the -60kg. +70kg. for a seventh at Tokyo 2020. 34 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 35

NigeriaNNiigeeria 6 2 1 9 Great Britain 3 0 1 4

China 36312 Ukraine 1001

Egypt 34310 China 0202 Power lift ing Rowing Siamand Rahman’s performance at Rio Both the men and women’s single sculls 2016, becoming the fi rst powerlifter to (ASM1x and ASW1x) featured the unexpect- break the 300kg barrier, was undoubtedly ed as new Paralympic champions emerged. one of the best performances ever seen at a Paralympic Games. Reigning world champions Moran Samu- el of Israel in the ASW1x and of The Iranian went on to lift 305kg and Australia in the ASM1x were coming off strong fi nished the day with an unprecedented seasons, however both failed to win gold. 310kg lift, the equivalent of a large Siberian The titles went to Great Britain’s former tiger, to set a new world record in the men’s cyclist Rachel Morris and Ukraine’s Roman over 107kg and secure his second succes- Polianskyi, respectively. Morris overcame sive Paralympic gold. a slow start to power through for the win. Polianskyi’s only major competitions prior He was not the only powerlifter to stand-out. to Rio were World Cups in Poznan, Poland Nigeria’s Josephine Orji, in the women ’s (silver medal fi nish) and one in 2015 in over 86kg, and Paul Kehinde, in the men’s up Varese, Italy (fourth place). to 65kg, both won their respective categories with world-record lifts. Overall, Great Britain dominated the regatta, winning three of the four boat classes. Tom Egyptian Sherif Osman claimed his third suc- Aggar’s bronze in the ASM1x meant the cessive Paralympic gold, in the men’s up to British medalled in every event. Their strong- 59kg, as did Mexico’s Amalia Perez in the est boat was the mixed coxed four crew women’s up to 55kg. Chinese powerlifters (LTAMix4+) of Grace Clough, Daniel Brown, also proved to be strong, taking three golds, Pamela Relph, James Fox and coxswain six silvers and three bronze medals in Rio. Oliver James, who defended their title from four years ago.

TOP 3 PERFORMERS TOP 3 PPERFORMERS MAJID FARZIN (IRI) LIDIIA SOLOVIOVA (UKR) CONG LE VAN (VIE) RACHEL MORRIS (GBR) ROMAN POLIANSKYI (UKR) GREAT BRITAIN LTA MIXED Overshadowed by his compatriot Ukraine’s only ever powerlifting The 32-year-old won Vietnam’s Captured her second Paralympic Flew under the radar to claim gold, COXED FOUR Siamand Rahman’s achievement, Paralympic champion bounced fi rst ever Paralympic gold by title but her fi rst as a rower. having competed in only two World Continued their dominance in Farzin still delivered an outstand- back from her bronze-medal breaking the world record (183kg) Cups prior to Rio. the event, winning their second ing performance winning gold in performance four years ago in to win the men’s up to 49kg. straight Paralympic title. the men’s up to 80kg with a world London to take her third Para- record lift of 240kg. lympic gold. 36 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 37

class as expected, winning eight of the 10 races, to fi nish ahead of Canada’s John McRoberts and Jackie Gay. Great Britain’s AustraliaAAuusstralia 2 1 0 3 Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell won China 5 2 1 8 France 1001 bronze. Slovakia 2103

Canada 0112 Australia’s other gold came in the three-per- Iran 2002 son , with Colin Harrinson, and Russell Boaden (26 points) fi nish- ing way ahead of the US (44) and Canadian Shooting The stunning Marina da Gloria, surrounded (51) crews on the podium. Competitions were dominated by female by the world famous Sugar Loaf and Corco- shooters, with women collecting seven out of vado mountains, hosted the thrilling sailing French sailor Damien Seguin returned to the a possible 12 Paralympic titles. competition which Australian sailors domi- top of the Paralympic podium in the 2.4m nated. Norlin OD, 12 years after winning gold in Chinese athletes were the most success- Athens. Australia’s and Great ful with fi ve golds, eclipsing other nations. Dan Fitzgibbon and retained the Britain’s defending champion Helena Lucas Slovakia’s Veronika Vadovicova was the Paralympic title in the two-person SKUD18 completed the podium. sport’s joint most decorated athlete with two golds and one silver.

Cuiping Zhang excelled for China, equalling Vadovicova with two wins and a silver on the rifl e range in both women’s and mixed com- petitions.

Rio 2016 saw the dawn of a new era in the men’s SH1 class. Sweden’s 17-time Paralympic champion Jonas Jacobsson left what many believe to be his last Paralympic Games without a medal.

The Swedish shooter was beaten in his favourite event by, amongst others, Serbian gold medallist Laslo Suranji in the R7 (men’s 50m rifl e three positions SH1). However Jacobsson remains one of Para sport’s most decorated athletes with 30 medals from 10 Paralympic Games.

TOPTOOP 3 PERFORMERS TOP 3 PERFORMERS DAMIEND SEGUIN (FRA) DAND FITZGIBBON AND LIESL PAUL TINGLEY (CAN) SAREH JAVANMARDIDODMANI (IRI) MCKENNA DAHL (USA) VESELKA PEVEC (SLO) HHe won gold at Athens 2004, silver TESCHT (AUS) The Canadian, who took gold in the Made history by becoming the fi rst The 20-year-old’s bronze medal in Set a new qualifi cation and fi nals aat Beijing 2008 and could not Won their fi rst Paralympic title at 2.4m Norlin OD at Beijing 2008, female Para sport shooter to win R5 (mixed 10m air rifl e SH2) was Paralympic record to claim gold in reach the podium at London 2012, London 2012 and have dominated won bronze again in the Sonar at gold for Iran; won the P2 (women’s historic, becoming the fi rst female R4 (mixed 10m air rifl e standing but bounced back to take the top the SKUD18 since, winning two Rio 2016, as he did 16 years ago at 10m air pistol SH1) and P4 (mixed Para athlete to win a shooting SH2) on her Paralympic debut. spot in Rio. world titles and multiple World Sydney 2000. 50m pistol SH1). medal for the USA, claiming her Cups. country’s fi rst medal in the sport since Athens 2004. 38 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 39

China 37 30 25 92 MenMen I Iranrann BosniaBosnia and EgyptEgypt HerzegovHerzegovinaina Ukraine 25 24 25 74 Women USAUSA ChinaBr Brazilazil Great Britain 16 16 15 47 Sitt ingg Swimming volleyball Belarus’ Ihar Boki was the most decorated athlete at the Paralympic Games for the TheThe wowomen’smen’s sisidede ssawaw tthehe eendnd ooff a d dynasty,ynasty, second time running, as China dominated as thetheh USAUSAA defeateddefeated ChinaChina forfor thethe goldgold the medals table. medal. medal. ChinaChhina hadhad beatenbeaten thethe USAUSA forfor goldgold in everyevery ParalympicParala ympip c fi nalnal sincesis nce thethe women’swomen’s The 22-year-old Belarusian won six golds ccompetitionompetitioon waswaw s addedadded to thethe programmeprogramme and one bronze medal to own the men’s S13 fforor Athens 2004,2004,4 howeverhoweve err inin September,Septp ember, thethe events. On top of those, he broke world re- US securedsecuredd a ffamousamous 3-3-00 vivictory.ctory. cords in the 50m and 100m backstroke, and 100m butterfl y. TThehe men’s fi nal waswas a diffdid ff ereerentennt story.story. IranIran anandd Bosnia and HerzegovinaHerzegovinaa havehavve tradedtrradedd Host nation Brazil put on an exceptional mmajorajor ininternationalternational titlestitlt es ffororo a ggenerationeneration show for the thousands of vocal specta- anandd it wwasas nnoo susurpriserpr rise whewhenn ththehe twtwoo memett foforr tors at the . They ththee fi fth straightstraight PParalympicarrala ympic fi nal. ThisThis time,time, took four gold, seven silver and eight bronze IIranran took babackckk tthehe gold memmedaldal wiwwithth a 33-1-1 wwininn medals. Every single one was cheered as if it ooverver ttheirheir rrivals.ivals. was their fi rst.

WiWithth homehome supportsupport behindbehih ndd them,them,m bothboth Clodoaldo Silva, the athlete who inspired BrBrazil’sazil’s men’smen’s andand women’swomen’s’ teamsteaams mademade Brazil’s most decorated Paralympian Daniel tthehe bronzebronze medalmedal matches.mata chhes. TheThT e women’swomen’s Dias to take up swimming, retired after a team wwonon the nnation’satioon’s fi rsrstst everever medalmedala inin thethe warm embrace with his teammate and a fi nal spsportort wiwithth a 3-03-0 win overover Ukraine,Ukraine, whilstwhih lsst thethe victory lap of the pool. mmen’sen’s team loslostt a fi ve-setvev -sete thrillerthrh illleer to AfricanAfrican cchampions hampions Egypt,Egypt, who capturedcapturedd ttheirheir fi rstrst Wenpan Huang left with fi ve golds and four mmedaledaal in the ssportport ssinceince AAthensthhens 202004.04. world records to headline China’s swim- ming campaign. The USA’s Bradley Snyder HiHistorystory wawass alalsoso mmadeadde in RRioio wwhenhen RwRwandaanda lowered the 30-year-old world record in the rerepresentedeprp esenenteted thtthehe fi rstrsr t everevvere AfricanAfrf iccan women’swomo enn’ss men’s 100m freestyle S11, winning three sisittingttttinng vovvolleyballllleybab lll tteameaeam att tthehhee PParalympics.ara ala ymy pip cs. golds and one silver.

The results produced fi rst swimming medals for countries such as , Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, whilst and Colombia won their fi rst gold medals in decades.

TOPTOP 3 PERFORMERS TOPTO 3 PERFORMERS HEATHER ERICKSON (USA) MORTEZAM JANAINA CUNHA (BRA) CARLOSC SERRANO (COL) DANIEL DIAS (BRA) ANNA STETSENKO (UKR) The captain was named MEHRZADSELAKJANIM (IRI) Scored a team-high 22 points The 18-year-old won Colombia’s The S5, SB4 swimmer consistently Broke the 20-year-old world “Most Valuable Player” and TheT tallest Paralympian at (17 spikes) as Brazil claimed their fi rstrs gold medal in 36 years in the delivered to the home crowd, record of Germany’s Yvonne Hopf “Best Receiver;” fi nished with the Games was top scorer with fi rst medal in the sport in front memen’s 100m breaststroke SB7, in a winning four golds, two silvers and in the women’s 50m freestyle S13, a team-high of 65 points. 28 points in the gold-medal of a home crowd. nenew world record time. a bronze as part of the relay team’s shaving 0.04 seconds off the time victory. comeback eff ort. from Atlanta 1996. 40 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 41

Dimosthen is Michalen tzakis The teenager surprised many when During our he won the 100m butterfl y S9 by a race I fought quarter of a second. I certainly with my body and soul respect my and I wanted this medal opponents. Both Federico really bad.” Morlacchi from Italy and Tamas Sors from Hungary My mind clicked and are very accomplished I just remembered swimmers.” all the encouraging messages and wishes that I got before coming here. I had all of these in my heart as I swam and that is how I fi nished.” 42 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 43

Steadman. France’s Gwladys Lemoussu rounded off the podium.

The US women had more glory as they swept the PT2 category, when Allysa Seely, Hailey Danisewicz and Melissa Stockwell went China 13 7 1 21 GreatUSA Britain 21143216 1-2-3, respectively. Poland 2338 ChChinaGreatina Britain 3320512142 0 5 Australian Katie Kelly and her guide Olym- France 2125 IIranTheran Netherlands 2211411021 1 4 pian remained dominant in the women’s PT5 with the win. Great Britain completed the podium, as Alison Patrick and Table ten nis Triathlon guide Hazel Smith claimed silver, Melissa China fl exed their strength, with 13 of The fi rst Paralympic champions were Reid and Nicole Walters took a fi nish their 21 medals being gold. Three singles crowned in the sport’s Games debut. for third. fi nals featured an all-Chinese showdown. Perhaps their most notable victory was in the Germany’s Martin Schulz stamped his The Netherlands’ Jetze Plat and Geert women’s class 1-2 with Jing Liu defending authority in the men’s PT4 with the gold, Schipper took gold and silver, respectively, in her Paralympic title against South Korea’s fi nishing ahead of 19-year-old Canadian the men’s PT1, and Italy’s Giovanni Achenza No. 1 Su-Yeon Seo. rival Stefan Daniel, who had upset Schulz at clinched bronze. the 2015 Worlds. Spain’s Jairo Ruiz Lopez The men’s class 6 was one of the most claimed the bronze. Great Britain’s Andrew Lewis was victorious anticipated match-ups. In a repeat of the in the men’s PT2. The battle for silver was 2015 European fi nals, Denmark’s Peter The women’s equivalent saw the USA’s tight, but Italy’s reigning world champion Rosenmeier avenged his loss to Spain’s Grace Norman, 18, complete a perfect race Michele Ferrarin was runner-up, and Moroc- Alvaro Valera with a thrilling fi ve-set victory. to upset Great Britain’s favourite Lauren co’s Mohamed Lahna,a a, tthee loneo e Africanca aath-t Meanwhile, Belgian teenage sensation lete in the fi eld, tookook hohomeomem tthehe bbronze.ronze. Laurens Devos made headlines when he captured the men’s singles class 9 title at just 16-years-old.

After bursting onto the scene in 2013, Croatia’s world and European champion Sandra Paovic made her long-awaited Paralympic debut. A former able-bodied player who competed at eight World Champion ships, Paovic overcame a life- threatening car accident to win the women’s singles class 6.

Polish standout Natalia Partyka took her fourth singles Paralympic gold in the women’s class 10. Her only scare came when she faced Brazil’s Bruna Costa Alex- andre in the semi-fi nals but pulled away 3-2.

TOP 3 PERFORMERS TOP 3 PERFORMERS LAURENSLAURENS DEVOSDEVOS (BEL(BEL)) JING LIU (CHN) NATALIA PARTYKA (POL) MARTINMA SCHULZ (GER) GRACE NORMAN (USA) JETZE PLAT (NED) TheThe 20152015 EuropeanEuropean teenage Beat rival and world No. 1 The multi-world, European and Took gold in arguably the most The youngest athlete on the fi eld In a toss-up between him and championchampion showedshowed hehe isis the Su-Yeon Seo to take her third Paralympic champion, and three- competitivecom class and avenged emerged as the surprise winner Australian top-ranked Bill Chaff ey, thereal real deal deal after after taking taking Paralympic straight singles gold; also won her time Olympian, extended her his losslo to rival Stefan Daniel in the women’s PT4, showing her Plat was dominant since the Paralympicgold at 16 years gold old.at third straight teams title. dominance with the singles gold. backbac at the 2015 Worlds. 2016 World gold was no fl uke. swim to take gold. 16 years old. 44 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 45

But it was all ChinaChina throughout the competition. Their ffencersencers captured 17 ooff the 2277 available medals; this included two all-all-ChineseChinese ggoldold medal bouts.

China’s world No. 2 JingJing RongRong denied HongHong MenMen USAUUSA Spain Great Britain GreatChinaCChhinna Britain 93216 4 4 17 KonKong’sg’s Yu Chui Yee an eightheighth ParalympicParalympic The ggoldold in the women’s catecategorygory A. But Yu’s Women USA Germany ChinaUkraineChina 33205202420 02 54 Netherlands sisilverlver medal ststillill meant she equalled the re- IrIranFranceanance 22114201301 1 43 ccordord fforor the most ParaParalympiclympic medals held bbyy a ffemaleemale ffencer.encer.

Wheelchair WheelchairWheelchair Ruyi Ye was another one of China’s keykey basketball fenfen cin cingg vvictors,ictors, as he claclaimedimed back-to-back Para- llympicympic titles with a win over Hungary’s world The USA secured double gold as both the ManyMany eyeseyes were on Italy’sItaly’s ,Vio, the No. 2 Richard Osvath in the men’s categorycategory men and women’s teams won their respec- overwhelmingoverwhelming favouritefavourite in the women’s A ffoil.oil. GGangang SSunun upset GGreatreat Britain’s world tive fi nals. It was the fi rst time in 28 years individual foil categorycategory B. The 19-19-year-year- No. 1 Piers Gilliver to take the men’s epeeepee that both teams claimed both gold medals at oldold did not disappoint,disappoint, asa sheshe defeateddefe eated ccategoryategory A comcompetition,petition, a sweet vvictory,ictory, a Paralympic Games. China’sChina’s Jingjing Zhou, who was comingcoming offoff after defeating Gilliver by just a point in the individual epee ggold,old, fforor ththee 1515-7-7 win. fi nal ooff the 20201515 World CChampionships.hampionships. The USA’s Rebecca Murray had sensation- al scoring, shooting 60 per cent from the fi eld as her team dethroned the defending Paralympic champions Germany 62-45.

Jake Williams and Brian Bell also showcased their off ensive prowess, combining for 35 points as the US men de- feated Spain 68-52. Spain however emerged as the surprise fi nalists of the tournament and left Rio with their heads held high, claiming their country’s fi rst medal in the sport.

Both Great Britain’s teams showed signifi cant improvement from London 2012. After just missing the podium four years ago, the British men took Turkey to a thrilling 82-76 overtime vic- tory for the bronze medal. The young British women’s team was no match for the experi- enced Dutch squad, who took a bittersweet bronze having being tabbed as pre-competi- tion favourites.

TOP 3 PERFORMERS TOPTOOP 3 PPERFORMERS REBECCA MURRAY (USA) STEVES SERIO (USA) TERRYTE BYWATER (GBR) BEATRICE VIO (ITA) GANGGA SUN (CHN) JINGJING ZHOU (CHN) Was on fi re in the fi nals, scoring TheTh team captain orchestrated a WasWa key in Great Britain’s Went on an 11-match winning UpsetU top-ranked Piers Gilliver The most decorated fencer from a game-high 33 points to give dynamicdy off ensive system, fi nish- comebackco to force overtime streak ahead of Rio 2016 and ini a tight 15-13 fi nals bout; left Rio Rio with four medals (three golds); the US their fi rst Paralympic gold iing the fi nals with 10 assists and a againsta Turkey, and eventually lived up to the hype with gold over with four medals, including gold her only loss was to Beatrice Vio. since Beijing 2008. modest seven points. win the bronze; fi nished with multi-medallist Jingjing Zhou. in the foil team open. game-high 25 points. 46 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 47

Beatrice Vio

Gold medallist in the women’s foil Before my departure category B at 19 years old. from Italy, I was really scared because the pressure was at a very high level. But I promised myself to enjoy every single moment and to have fun, and I did that.”

The most important thing is to transform fear to adrenaline, adrenaline to competitiveness and I was really nervous competitiveness to happiness.” (to take a selfi e with US President Barack Obama) but excited at the same time. Everything was a dream when I received the inviting email. I thought it was a joke.”

Vio and Obama at the White House for the State Dinner 48 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 RIO 2016 IN REVIEW RIO 2016 IN REVIEW THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 49

Australia The Netherlands 2 2 0 4

USA Australia 2002

Japan Great Britain 1326 Wheelchair Wheelchair rugby ten nis

In arguably the most evenly and closely For the seventh successive Games, the wom- contested wheelchair rugby fi nal ever seen, en’s single fi nal was an all-Dutch aff air with Australia defeated the USA 59-58 in double Jiske Griffi oen succeeding the legendary overtime to claim their second consecutive as the Paralympic champion. Paralympic gold. In front of a deafening Griffi oen beat Aniek van Koot in three sets crowd at the Carioca Arena, Ryley Batt’s for gold. The two later won doubles gold to- stellar performance was fundamental in the gether against compatriots Marjolein Buis champions’ success, scoring 27 goals in and Diede de Groot, the third Games in a row the gold-medal match, including the deci- the women’s gold medal doubles match had sive score 49 seconds before the end of the consisted solely of Dutch players. game. The men’s singles fi nals saw Australia remained undefeated throughout defeat teenager Alfi e Hewitt in an all-British the competition, fi nishing top of Group B showdown. The pair teamed up in the dou- after beating Great Britain, Brazil and Can- bles, but had to settle for silver as the French ada to advance into the semi- fi nals, where veterans of Stephane Houdet and Nicolas they beat Japan. Peifer proved too much.

Tokyo 2020 hosts Japan went on to make Australian topped Great history by securing a fi rst medal in the sport Britain’s in the quad with a hard-fought 52-50 victory over Para- singles fi nals, then joined pan American champions Canada in the for another gold in the doubles over the bronze medal match. USA’s defending champions and . Wagner took quad singles Even though they fi nished bottom of their bronze, while Lapthorne and Jamie Burdekin groups, France and Brazil also produced captured bronze in the doubles. some good performances, proving the gap with the powerhouses is rapidly closing. Japan’s Yui Kamiji clinched the women’s singles bronze, while Great Britain’s Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley took home doubles bronze. Japan’s and Satoshi Saida partnered to claim the men’s doubles bronze medal.

TOP 3 PERFORMERS TOP 3 PPERFORMERS RYLEY BATT (AUS) DAISUKE IKEZAKI (JPN) CHUCK AOKI (USA) DYLAN ALCOTT (AUS) JISKE GRIFFIOEN (NED) GORDON REID (GBR) The 27-year-old scored 158 Starred in the bronze-medal He was one of the best players of A wheelchair basketball gold Extended her dominance in Topped his fi rst ever goals, including 27 in the fi nal, to match, scoring 19 goals, leading the tournament as the USA took medallist from Beijing 2008, the women’s division, winning singles wins in help Australia win their second his team to a 52-50 victory silver to better their bronze-medal Alcott won the quad singles gold singles gold then joining 2016 with his fi rst Paralympic Paralympic gold. over Canada. performance from London 2012. without dropping a set, then teammate Aniek van Koot for singles title. added doubles gold. doubles victory. 50 FUTURE GAMES THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 51

PyeongChang 2018 The fl ag-raising ceremony gathered 3,000 Tokyo will not only be the next host city, With less than 500 days to go until the built in 1998 but has had a facelift ahead of spectators and was followed by the kick-off it will be the fi rst city to ever host the Para- PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter the 2018 Games, will welcome the world’s of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic lympic Games twice. I think this is a really Games, the Organising Committee (POCOG) best Para biathlon and Para cross-country fl ag tour. During the coming year, the Olym- signifi cant step in building the momentum of has begun a series of Test Events in Novem- skiers. pic and Paralympic fl ags will be exhibited the Paralympic Games.” ber through to next April which will include in more than 60 sites in and around Tokyo, six Paralympic winter sports. March will also see PyeongChang host the including some of the small islands that are Interest in the Tokyo 2020 Games is also IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals, an event part of the metropolis, and in three of the strong in many other countries and made The fi rst Paralympic winter sport Test Event which will see skiers compete in downhill, prefectures aff ected by the 2011 East Japan the Tokyo 2020 Japan House in Rio one of will be the World Wheelchair Curling Cham- super-G, super combined, giant slalom and earthquake. These events are aimed at the most popular hospitality houses in the pionships that will be staged between 4-11 slalom. building further awareness and support for Brazilian capital during the 2016 Games. It March. Featuring 10 teams, the event will the Games throughout the country. welcomed more than 82,000 visitors from all take place in the 3,500 seat capacity Gang- The fi nal Paralympic Test Event will be World over the world, helping to showcase Japan’s neung Curling Centre. Para Ice Hockey Championships A-Pool Judoka Kento Masaki, who won a bronze culture and raise enthusiasm towards the which will take place between 12-19 April. medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, host country of the 2020 Games. From 10 March, the Para snowboard World Tokyo 2020 attended the ceremony and commented: Cup Finals, and the Para biathlon and Para The USA, the defending world and Para- Just a few days after the closing of the Rio “It really brought home the realisation that www.tokyo2020.jp/en/ cross-country skiing World Cups will also lympic champions, will be one of eight teams 2016 Paralympic Games, the Paralympic take place in PyeongChang. taking to the ice at the newly constructed fl ag completed its long journey from Brazil 10,000 seat capacity Gangneung Hockey and arrived in Tokyo on 21 September. At Sochi 2014 Para snowboard made its Centre. Paralympic debut and between 10-13 The Olympic, Paralympic and Japanese March, the climax of the season will involve The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter national fl ags were hoisted and fl own together boarders competing in banked slalom and Games will take place between 9-18 March. at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Pla- snowboard-cross events. za in Shinjuku, one of the Japanese capital’s www.pyeongchang2018.com liveliest areas, marking the latest in a series Between 10-15 March, the 7,500 capacity of milestones bridging the two host cities. Alpensia Biathlon Centre, which was originally

Beijing 2022 The IPC Governing Board provisionally ap- the Beijing 2022 programme. The applica- In each of the two seasons, the sport must proved the inclusion of bobsleigh for the tion for skeleton to be included in the Games host at least six World Cup races plus a World Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games at a was not successful due to the sport not fulfi ll- Championships. A minimum of 12 nations meeting in Rio on 5 September. ing a number of the criteria needed. from at least three regions should also be participating each year. Bobsleigh will line-up alongside the six For bobsleigh to be given full approval for in- existing Paralympic winter sports – Para clusion in Beijing 2022, the sport must meet The decision is subject to fi nal written alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross- a number of minimum requirements laid approval by both the IOC and the Beijing country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snow- out by the IPC Governing Board in both the 2022 Organising Committee. board and wheelchair curling – to be part of 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons. 52 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 53

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS OTHER MAJOR EVENTS 28-29 January 15-20 February 28 February – 4 March 28 February – 2 March 13-16 April 4-7 May 10-14 May 11-14 May 13-20 May 19-21 May IWAS Wheelchair World Para Powerlifting Chef de Mission ITTF Oceania World Para Powerlifting IWAS Wheelchair UCI Para Cycling ITTF World Team UCI Para Cycling (wheelchair tennis) Fencing World Cup World Cup Seminar Championships World Cup World Cup Road World Cup Championships Road World Cup Melbourne, Australia Eger, Hungary Dubai, UAE PyeongChang, South Korea (table tennis) Eger, Hungary Stadskanaal, Netherlands Maniago, Italy Bratislava, Slovakia Ostend, Belgium Suva, Fiji

22-31 January1 1-8-8 FFebruaryebruary 4-11 March 12-19 April World Para Alpine Skiingkiing WorldWorld ParaPara SSnowboardnowboard World Wheelchair Curling World Para Ice Hockey Championships ChampionshipsChampionships Championships Championships A-Pool

AfterAfter toppingtopping the medals table Ten teams will contest the 2017 event which will act as a Test at thethe 20152015 ChampionshipsChampionships Event for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. Rus- thanksthhaankss toto goldgogold medallists Bibian sia will start as defending world champions in the 3,500 seat ca- Mentel-SpeeMenteel-Spee andand ChrisChris Vos, Dutch pacity Gangneung Curling Centre but will face strong competition snowboarderssnowbob arddeerss willwill be the ones to from the likes of Paralympic champions Canada and 2016 world beatbeeat aatt BiBigg WWhWhite,ite, Canada. silver medallists Norway. South Korea, who took Worlds bronze, could also surprise. Around 80 boarders from 23 countries will compete in banked slalom and snowboard www.worldcurling.org cross events. Norway has shown rapid www.worldparasnowboard.org growth, being promoted from the B-Pool in 2015 to taking silver at the 2016 Italy’s Giacomo Bertagnolli and his guide Fabrizio Casal Chris Vos will go for World Championships back-to-back golds in the men’s snowboard-cross, banked The fi rst winter sport World Championshipss of the yyearear will be held slalom SB-LL1 in Tarvisio, Italy, bringing together 140 of thethe world’sworld’s bestbest ParaPara The USA and Canada are expected to renew their rivalry alpine skiers from 30 countries. The USA will look to continue their dominance of the sport having France’s , who suff ered a leg injury in October, will 10-19 February won Paralympic gold in 2014 and the world title in 2015. be hoping to return in full fi tness as she aims to continue the run that has seen her win 11 world titles in a row in the women’s World Para Nordic Skiing Taking place at the Gangneung Hockey Centre and acting as a standing class. PyeongChang 2018 Test Event, the USA’s biggest threat will come Championships from their neighbours and great rivals Canada who were silver On home snow, Italian teenagerenager Giacomo Bertagnolli will try to medallists last time round. convert his fi rst place fi nishsh in the overall World CupCup standingsstandings Finsterau, Germany, will host the world’s best Para biathlon and last year in the men’s visuallyually impaired class into his fi rst world Para cross-country skiers as 120 athletes from 22 countries com- On home ice South Korea will be looking for key man Seung-Hwan medals. pete for 38 world titles. Jung to have an impact on the tournament. At the 2015 B-Pool World Championships Jung was named Best Forward after scor- As this is the last major Championshipshampionships before the PyeongChangPyeongChang On home snow, Andrea Eskau will look to defend the three titles ing 13 goals and contributing nine assists as South Korea was pro- 2018 Paralympic Winter GGames,ames, also keekeepp an eyeeye out for South she won in 2015 but will fi nd it hard against teammate Anja moted back into the world’s elite. Korea’s Jae Rim Yang. Afterter jjustust missinmissingg out on the podium at Wicker. Sochi 2014, the visually impairedmpaired skier will be full of confi dence In total eight teams will compete in the 10,000 seat arena that has for Tarvisio having enjoyed several top three fi nishes at World and www.worldparanordicskiing.orgwww.worldparanordicskiing.org 20-25 March been purpose built for next year’s Games. Europa Cup events since. Two-time Sochi www. worldparaaplinesking.orgsking.org 2014 gold medallist Youth www.worldparaicehockey.org Andrea Eskau will have home snow ONES TO WATCH advantage TheThe BraziliaBraziliann Paralympic Committee’s state-of- ONES TO WATCH the-art trainingtrainin centre in Sao Paulo will stage the fourthfou edition of this event. Around 1,0001 athletes, aged 12-21 years old, area set to compete in 12 sports with CPC Football and sitting volleyball as new additions from 2013.

MARIE BOCHET GIACOMOOMO JAEJAE RIM YYANGANG Mona is the offi cial mascot for the JOSH PAULS SEUNG-HWAN JUNG BRAD BOWDEN FRANCE BERTANGNOLLIANGNOLLI SOUTH KOREA Youth Parapan American Games USA SOUTH KOREA CANADA ITALY 54 The Paralympian 03|2016 Issue of the season Issue of the season The Paralympian 03|2016 55

Issu of arsteinBirgit Sk e wegianN world champion Para rower or

For canoe and triathlon that debuted at Rio 2016, the next years are crucial When it comes to gear in Para rowing, for their development. as n we need to ensure this is easy and h se o have to row double and single sculls e relatively affordable to use, and as t I can speak from experience as to be able to compete. Thus, athletes similar to the Olympic rowers’ gear Para rowing debuted at Beijing rowing single sculls would need to find How can sports that make their Paralympic as possible. This would help make 2008. a partner to compete with. These ath- the doorstep into our sport as small letes will already have to make great debuts continue to grow and develop? as possible for individuals and devel- changes in their training, gear and Since then, our sport has de- oping nations. The gear needs to be tactics to adjust to a new distance. veloped tremendously, thanks simple and light, and developed with So to then change classes toward to a combination of interna- guidance and experience from our top the next Paralympics is too short of a tional exposure, motivation athletes. notice. for Paralympic medals and the ability to run the Para Boats need to be lighter than the To change and adjust rules of compe- rowing races alongside rules allow for today, considering how O lof Hansson tition is necessary – but this has to be able-bodied World Cups tough it is on shoulders and ribs for for the purpose of pursuing sporting Manager, Head of Para Taekwondo Department World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and Championships. rowers who use arms only. There also excellence, just as the IPC’s vision must be opportunities to make indi- states. I would argue that there isn’t more competitors and create role Now just because we are set to In the last eight years, vidual adaptations based on athlete room for more than one great change models. debut at Tokyo 2020, we cannot changes (e.g. to gear, impairments. take our foot off the pedal. rules) have occurred of rules within one Paralympic cycle. As a Norwegian rower, this is espe- From an International Federation in rowing, and chang- In terms of events, Para rowing is cially important for nations not big (IF) perspective, I think inclusion The popularity of Para taekwondo es will also happen in facing a major change – a probable on summer sports, since they have on the Tokyo 2020 programme is continuously increasing world- canoe and triathlon. doubling of the distance to 2,000m. However, International Feder fewer athletes and have to develop and an IPC-member status gives wide. There is no worry from the Our events run alongside able-bodied ations must ensure those changes with a long-term perspective in mind. the WTF further credibility. In WTF’s side of being able to ensure - events (which are raced over 2,000m maximise an athlete’s potential while Athletes need predictability within the turn, it has been “easier” to pro- that Para taekwondo will still be sport can fit many athletes with courses). Running parallel with also helping others try out the sport. rules to be able to excel over time. mote Para taekwondo at a world competitive by 2020. The main impairments worldwide. able-bodied events has been one of level. We have improved contacts concern however is coping with the biggest factors of success in grow- I won the World Championships in with NPCs and WTF Member Na- the increased administrative and The able-bodied version is widely ­ ing Para rowing into what it is today. 2014 and felt I did everything possible tional Associations. It also helps organisational demands of the practiced globally. So far, Para That is because doubling our distance heading into Rio and just missed the attract sponsors. Our global reach rapid increase in popularity and taekwondo is strongest in Europe.­ would save organisers time from mov- podium. You can do everything right, has strengthened. participation in the sport. But by actively promoting Para ing the pontoons; in a practical way travel all year for training camps, have taekwondo with the National it’s a clever move for our World Cups great gear and work your butt off for It has also helped us internally. Other challenges that have come Federations and Continental Un- and Championships. years, and still not medal. But to me Para taekwondo will debut at the up include the increase in the ions, more regions have laid the that was a sign that Para rowing is be- Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The WTF governs both taek- number of high-level interna- groundwork for future develop- But at the same time, there is also coming even more competitive. Rule That announcement alone in wondo and Para taekwondo. ­ tional Para taekwondo events ­ ment. It is expected that Africa, consideration on changing the com- changes should not hinder the com- 2015 has already sped the growth Para taekwondo is now includ- (e.g. regional Championships). Asia and Pan America will see a position of boats. Doing this, plus petitiveness or discourage athletes and development of the sport. ed on the biggest stage for Para But by creating strong partner- great increase in the popularity of changing the distance, would result from pursing the sport, but rather be sports, and that has encouraged ships with the Continental Unions Para taekwondo over the next few in throwing around which athletes an opportunity to keep pursuing ex How? internal promotion throughout and making the World Champi- years, and I expect the diversity cellence. our organisational and mem- onships a biennial event, it has of the sport to show in the medal - Well, according to Para ­taekwondo bership structure. By using an become easier to promote more standings come Tokyo 2020. athletes I spoke with, they said it organisational structure that is high-level events in the different has led to recognition of the sport already in place in 206 countries, regions. After Tokyo 2020, it’s a matter of not only from the Para­lympic Para taekwondo has surely de- keeping pace with the increased community but also from the veloped more rapidly than if Para But we also have to continue to in- exposure and not falling back- taekwondo community. It has also taekwondo was governed by a crease participation. We know the wards. helped promote the sport, attract Para sport “only” IF. 56 THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 GUEST COLUMN THE PARALYMPIAN 03|2016 57

t was all over the news, Iranian Paralym- I think Bahman tried to prove that it is worth pic cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad lost his living as an empowered person. He believed Ilife when making a determined eff ort to in eternity in its abstract form; the eternity secure glory for his nation. he was feeling with his soul and mind. This is the diff erence between an ordinary man and Bahman was a man who had lost his leg in a legend and today Bahman Golbarnezhad war, a man who lost his beloved wife to can- is fondly remembered as a war hero and a cer whilst preparing for London 2012, and a sports legend. man whose story sadly ended at Rio 2016. A legend can be anyone worth remember- Although his tragic death left everyone won- ing for a very long time even after they have dering what nominated him as the victim of left the world. Legends are remembered and the sole fatal accident in the 50-year history their tales are cherished; they leave behind a of the Paralympics, the moot question to be legacy, not in terms of monetary value, but in addressed is what could have gone through moral values. his mind not to surrender to devastation, loss, and loneliness? Legendary nature comes not from one’s Bahman Golbarnezhad image but from what one stands up for and The answer I believe is life; the most precious 1968 – 2016 believes in. It is not about becoming famous; irretrievable blessing one could ever attain. Obituary by NPC Iran it is about being someone worth remember- ing and being looked upon for inspiration The Iranian poet Ibtehaj wrote a poem titled and growth. Finally, it is about being free, ‘Life’: for only those who are truly free can be- come legends. Those whose life and skills “Life is beautiful for are part of their ancient culture which is to those seeking for that Bahman fought for not being futile and in- remind people of the world what rich hand- eff ective; not living senselessly. He was in some human nature and culture they come “Life is beautiful for search for meaning, for empowerment and from; a culture of unity, solidarity, love, and those thinking like that inclusion. peace. “Life is a once-lifetime experience to live What motivated him through all the years of They send out a message of friendship bearing pain and devastation was to achieve and happiness to the world. Them tak- “Life is worth everything the sense of beauty life could give us; the ing part in international arenas indi- you aff ord to give” characteristic spirit of a culture, the ethos cates how everyone, even those with that contains the most discussed line in all disabilities can overcome hardship and In the poem, death is the price one has to pay of Keats’s “Beauty is truth, truth beauty, – stand on top. They manifest that you to live life to the full. that is all/Ye know on earth, and all ye need can be ‘a leg to stand on’, not ‘a shoulder to to know.” cry on’. WORLDWIDE PARALYMPIC PARTNERS

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS IPC Vision: “ To enable Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.”