CISM Athletes shine at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

 

 

PARIS (FRA) - The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, held from August 28 to September 8, saw remarkable achievements from athletes representing CISM Member Nations. These athletes demonstrated immense skill and determination across multiple disciplines, bringing home an impressive array of medals and securing notable finishes in several events.

 

Among the standout performers was Lieutenant Anna Benson from Sweden, who had a strong showing in the shooting events. Competing in three categories, Benson's best result came in the R6 Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1, where she clinched a silver medal, demonstrating her precision and poise. In the R8 Women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1, Benson finished just outside the podium in 4th place, narrowly missing out on another medal. Her performance in the R2 Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 was equally commendable, securing a 5th-place finish in a highly competitive field.

 

Anna Benson (Picture: Swedish Paralympic Committee)

 

Also in Shooting, Civilian Defense Agent Jean-Louis Michaud of France added to his country's medal tally with a bronze medal in the R6 Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1, underscoring his precision in a closely contested competition. Michaud also performed admirably in the R7 Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1, finishing 7th. France's Civilian Defense Agent Gaelle Edon competed fiercely in the P2 Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1, finishing 5th, while Civilian Defense Agent Justine Beve placed 6th in the R9 Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH2, contributing to France’s strong overall showing in shooting events.

 

France's Corporal First-Class Thomas Laronce participated in the Men’s Sitting Volleyball Tournament, where his team finished in 8th place. Though they did not reach the podium, their effort throughout the tournament reflected their competitive spirit and determination to represent their country.

 

Jules Ribstein (Picture: Ministère des Sports)

 

In the triathlon events, Civilian Defense Agent Thibaut Rigaudeau from France delivered an outstanding performance in the Men’s PTVI category, earning a silver medal after a thrilling race. His fellow Frenchman, Civilian Defense Agent Jules Ribstein, took the spotlight in the Men’s PTS2 category, winning a gold medal and solidifying his dominance in the event. Both triathletes showcased extraordinary endurance, skill, and determination, contributing significantly to France’s success in the Games. Frenchwomen Civilian Defense Agent Elise Marc, Civilian Defense Agent Gwladys Lemoussu, and Civilian Defense Agent Mona Francis also competed valiantly in their respective triathlon categories, finishing in 5th, 6th, and 6th place, respectively.

 

In the world of para-table tennis, France was well represented by Civilian Defense Agent Fabien Lamirault and Civilian Defense Agent Mateo Boheas, both of whom had successful campaigns. Lamirault earned bronze medals in the Men’s Singles MS2 and Men’s Doubles MD4, further adding to his impressive career accomplishments. Boheas secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles MS10, while finishing 5th in the Men’s Doubles MD18. Their efforts reflected France’s depth and skill in para-table tennis, as they competed against some of the best athletes in the world.

 

Elizabeth Marks (Picture: US Armed Forces Sports)

 

In the swimming pool, France’s Civilian Defense Agent Hector Denayer had a stellar Games, winning a silver medal in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke SB9 and a bronze medal in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley SM9. His consistent performances in both events established him as one of the top swimmers in his classification. Representing the United States, Sergeant First-Class Elizabeth Marks had an extraordinary Paralympics, taking home a total of five silver medals. Marks placed second in the Women’s 50m Freestyle S6, 100m Backstroke S6, and 200m Individual Medley SM6, in addition to contributing to the silver medal-winning performances of the U.S. teams in the Mixed 4x50m Freestyle Relay and Mixed 4x50m Medley Relay. Her achievements were a testament to her versatility and dominance in para-swimming.

 

In para-judo, France’s Civilian Defense Agent Sandrine Martinet fought her way to a silver medal in the Women’s -48 kg J2 category. Martinet, a seasoned veteran of the sport, once again demonstrated her mastery of judo, adding another Paralympic medal to her illustrious career.

 

France’s para-cycling team had an especially successful campaign, with several athletes achieving top results. Civilian Defense Agent Marie Patouillet secured a silver medal in the Women’s C4-5 500m Time Trial and a gold medal in the Women’s C5 3000m Individual Pursuit, showcasing her strength and determination on the track. Frenchman Civilian Defense Agent Alexandre Lloveras impressed in the Men’s B Road Race, where he earned a bronze medal, showcasing his endurance and tactical prowess in a challenging race.

 

Marie Patouillet (Picture: Ministère des Sports)

 

His teammate Civilian Defense Agent Alexandre Leaute was one of the most successful athletes of the Games, winning three gold medals in the Men’s C2 3000m Individual Pursuit, C2 Individual Time Trial, and C1-3 Road Race. Leaute also claimed two bronze medals in other cycling events, confirming his status as a dominant force in para-cycling. Finally, Civilian Defense Agent Dorian Foulon contributed to France’s cycling success with a gold medal in the Men’s C5 4000m Individual Pursuit and a bronze in the Men’s C5 Individual Time Trial.

 

France's para-canoeing team also enjoyed a successful Games, with Civilian Defense Agent Remi Boulle earning a bronze medal in the Men’s Kayak Single 200m KL1, and Civilian Defense Agent Nelia Barbosa taking home a silver medal in the Women’s Kayak Single 200m KL3. Their performances underscored the growing strength of France in the world of para-canoeing.

 

Alexandre Léauté (Picture: Ministère des Sports)

 

In para-badminton, Civilian Defense Agent Lucas Mazur delivered a commanding performance, winning a gold medal in the Men’s Singles SL4 and a bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5, making him one of France’s standout athletes of the Games. Civilian Defense Agents Meril Loquette and Thomas Jakobs also competed in para-badminton, with Loquette finishing 5th in the Men’s Singles SU5 and 7th in Men’s Doubles WH1-WH2, while Jakobs placed 5th in the Men’s Singles WH2.

 

The para-rowing events saw Civilian Defense Agent Benjamin Daviet finish 5th in the PR3 Mixed Doubles Sculls, while Civilian Defense Agent Margot Boulet competed in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four event, showcasing the resilience of France's rowing team. In para-athletics, Civilian Defense Agent Mandy François-Elie finished 5th in the Women’s 100m, 200m, and Long Jump T37, while her compatriot Civilian Defense Agent Manon Genest earned a bronze medal in the Women’s Long Jump T37, bringing another medal to France.

 

Lucas Mazur (Picture: Ministère des Sports)

 

In wheelchair fencing, Civilian Defense Agent Yohan Peter of France helped his team secure a bronze medal in the Men’s Foil Team event, a significant achievement in a sport that requires intense precision and agility.

 

Overall, the athletes from CISM member nations put on a magnificent display of athleticism and resilience at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Their impressive performances across a range of sports highlighted their exceptional talent and commitment, leaving a lasting impact on the Games. From gold-medal triumphs to personal bests, these athletes inspired millions around the world, exemplifying the true spirit of the Paralympic movement.

 

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)