Plat's victory in Paris continues his reign as the undisputed champion of his category, following similar triumphs at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The 33-year-old athlete, known for his exceptional skill and relentless drive, was visibly emotional as he reflected on his achievement. "It's difficult to put my feelings into words," Plat admitted after the race. "I'm mostly just relieved. It's my third title in the triathlon, and I'm incredibly proud of that."

His win in Paris not only solidifies his legacy but also sets a new standard for excellence in the sport. Joining Plat on the podium were Austria's Florian Brungraber, who claimed the silver medal, and fellow Dutchman Geert Schipper, who took bronze. The competition was fierce, but Plat's dominance was evident from the start, as he powered through each segment of the race with precision and determination.

Jules Ribstein roars home to win first French Paralympic Triathlon gold

On a day filled with exceptional athleticism, Frenchman Jules Ribstein delivered a standout performance in the Men's PTS2 race, thrilling the home crowd and securing his place as the Paris 2024 Paralympic Triathlon Champion. Ribstein, who had been a favorite leading into the race, did not disappoint. He emerged from the water alongside the USA's Mark Barr and Belgium's Wim de Paepe, but once on the bike, Ribstein pulled away, showcasing his superior strength and strategy.

The French athlete's lead grew with every kilometer, making it clear that victory was within his grasp. Even the formidable Dutchman Maurits Morsink, known for his prowess in the sport, was too far behind to challenge Ribstein's lead. As Ribstein powered through the final stages, it was clear that he was in a league of his own. He crossed the finish line to roaring applause, securing a well-deserved gold medal.

The race for silver and bronze was equally intense. American athlete Mohamed Lahna, who had earned a bronze medal at Rio 2016, was determined to improve his standing. In a thrilling chase during the final stages, Lahna managed to overtake Belgium's Wim de Paepe and his compatriot Mark Barr, securing the silver medal just 15 seconds behind Ribstein. Lahna's performance was a testament to his resilience and determination, marking a significant achievement in his Paralympic career.

Spain's Dani Molina claim gold on the Paralympic debut of the PTS3 class

In the Paralympic debut of the PTS3 class, Spain's Daniel Molina demonstrated his experience and skill, delivering an extraordinary performance to claim the gold medal. Molina, a veteran with over a decade of racing experience, proved that age is no barrier to success. His impressive run was the defining factor in the race, allowing him to surge ahead of his younger competitors and secure victory.

Germany's Max Gelhaar, 25 years Molina's junior, put up a strong fight but ultimately could not match the Spaniard's pace. Gelhaar finished with the silver medal, while the bronze went to the Netherlands' Nico Van Der Burgt. Van Der Burgt's podium finish contributed to the Dutch team's overall success, earning them their third medal of the day.

Lauren Parker proves untouchable as she brings home brilliant first gold

Australia’s Lauren Parker made a powerful statement in the PTWC women’s race, capturing the gold medal and avenging her heartbreak from Tokyo 2020, where she narrowly lost to theUSA's Kendall Gretsch in a sprint finish. This time around, Parker was determined to leave nothing to chance. She took an early lead, exiting the water with a three-minute advantage that proved crucial as the race progressed. Despite Gretsch's relentless pursuit during the handcycle portion of the race, Parker’s

lead remained unassailable. The Australian athlete maintained her composure and focus, expertly navigating the course and ensuring that the gap between her and her American rival never closed significantly. As she crossed the finish line, Parker’s joy was palpable, her victory serving as a powerful comeback after the disappointment of Tokyo. "This race meant everything to me," Parker said, reflecting on her journey from the heartbreak of the last Paralympics to the triumph in Paris. Gretsch finished in second place, three minutes behind Parker, while the bronze medal was fiercely contested between Canada’s Leanne Taylor and Spain’s Eva Moral Pedrero. In the end, Taylor managed to hold off Pedrero, finishing just seven seconds ahead to claim the third spot on the podium.

The women’s PTWC race also saw dramatic moments further back, with Brazil’s Jessica Ferreira suffering a mechanical issue that dashed her hopes of a podium finish. Additionally, Mexico’s Brenda Osnaya Alvarez was disqualified for failing to serve a penalty, adding to the high-stakes tension that defined the event.

Danz delivers the race of her dreams to win PTS2 Paralympic Triathlon gold

The Women’s PTS2 race featured another thrilling contest, with the USA’s Hailey Danz delivering a career-defining performance to capture her first Paralympic gold medal. Danz, who had previously earned silver in Rio 2016, showed her mettle in Paris by outpacing some of the sport’s top competitors. The race began with a tight contest as Danz exited the water alongside fellow American Melissa Stockwell, Italy’s Veronica Yoko Plebani, and defending Paralympic champion Allysa Seely.

Once on the bike, however, Danz unleashed her full potential. Her powerful cycling quickly created a significant gap between her and the rest of the field, leaving her competitors struggling to keep up. By the time she reached the final 5km run, Danz had built a commanding lead. Despite a valiant effort from Italy’s Plebani, who had secured bronze in Tokyo, the gap proved insurmountable. Plebani crossed the finish line to take silver, holding off Seely, who finished with bronze after a grueling race. Danz’s triumph marked a new chapter in her career and was celebrated as one of the standout performances of the day.

Alexis Hanquinquant dominates to win second paralympic gold

All eyes in France were on Alexis Hanquinquant as he continued his unparalleled reign in Para triathlon, claiming his second Paralympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The towering Frenchman, who has won every Para triathlon race he’s entered over the past seven years, did not disappoint on home soil. As the flag bearer for the French team,Hanquinquant delivered a flawless performance that solidified his status as a living legend in the sport.

Hanquinquant’s victory in the PTS4 class was met with thunderous applause as he crossed the finish line, continuing his streak of dominance that has made him a national hero. "It’s a surreal feeling to win here in Paris, in front of my home crowd," Hanquinquant said, visibly moved by the support from the spectators.

USA’s Carson Clough, a rising star in the PTS4 class, took the silver medal, showcasing his potential as a future contender for gold. Spain’s Nil Riudavets Victory, another emerging talent, completed the podium by securing the bronze medal, marking a strong showing for the next generation of Para triathletes.

Grace Norman triumphs in epic battle for gold in PTS5 Triathlon

In the women’s PTS5 category, the USA’s Grace Norman delivered a masterclass performance to win her second Paralympic gold medal in Paris. Norman, who had been impeccable throughout the qualification cycle, faced stiff competition from British athletes Claire Cashmore and Lauren Steadman. The race saw intense back-and-forth action, but Norman’s exceptional 5km run, clocking in at 18 minutes and 16 seconds, ultimately secured her victory.

Cashmore, who passed her teammate Steadman early in the run, took the silver medal, while Steadman finished with bronze. Canada’s Kamylle Frenette narrowly missed the podium, coming in fourth. Norman’s win adds to her silver from Tokyo, cementing her status as one of the top athletes in her class. The race also saw strong performances from Andrea Miguelez Ranz in fifth and France’s Gwladys Lemossu in sixth, rounding out a fiercely contested event.

Susana Rodriguez defends title to win PTVI gold in Paris

Spain’s Susana Rodriguez, alongside her guide Sara Perez Sala, overcame a challenging 2024 season to defend her Paralympic title in the PTVI category at the Paris Games. Despite the hurdles, Rodriguez delivered a commanding performance to claim her second Paralympic gold, solidifying her place in the history books as one of the sport’s greats.

Italy’s Francesca Tarantello, competing in her first Paralympics, took the silver medal, marking an impressive debut on the world stage. Germany’s Anja Renner secured the bronze, rounding out a podium that highlighted the depth of talent in the PTVI category.

Dave Ellis and Luke Pollard triumph in PTVI Race

Great Britain’s Dave Ellis, alongside his long-term guide Luke Pollard, achieved a long-awaited victory by winning the gold medal in the PTVI category at the Paris Paralympics. Ellis, whose career has been filled with near misses, finally realized his dream of Paralympic gold with a dominant performance that saw him pull away from the competition in the final 5km run.

The duo navigated the 750m swim expertly, nearly closing the time gap to the B1 athletes before moving onto the bike segment. Ellis seized the lead early on, and despite a brief challenge from Owen Cravens (USA), who was later penalized, Ellis remained unstoppable. His rapid 5km run, completed in just 16 minutes and 18 seconds, secured the gold by over a minute ahead of Frenchman Thibaut Rigaudeau, who took silver, and compatriot Antoine Perel, who won bronze.

Reflecting on his victory, Ellis said, "We just fixed anything that could have gone wrong and raced with confidence today. Winning a Paralympic medal has always been a dream, and to achieve it here in Paris is beyond words." His guide, Pollard, added, "Dave’s determination and self-belief are unmatched. This victory is a testament to his hard work and perseverance over the years."

Chris Hammer delivers stunning victory for Team USA

In a dazzling display of athletic prowess, the USA’s Chris Hammer claimed his first Paralympic gold medal in the Men’s PTS5 triathlon at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The 38-year-old triathlete finally reached the pinnacle of his career after a fierce competition against Brazil’s Ronan Cordeiro and Germany’s defending champion, Martin Schulz.

Hammer, who narrowly missed the podium in both Rio and Tokyo, demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategy. Despite exiting the water in 8th place, he methodically worked his way up during the 20km bike segment, positioning himself within striking distance of the lead. His defining moment came during the first of three laps on the run, where he surged to the front, holding off a relentless challenge from Cordeiro to secure victory.

Reflecting on his achievement, Hammer said, “I didn’t truly believe this could be a reality until just a few months ago. Now it’s real.” Hammer credited his high-altitude training in Park City, Utah, for his success, noting that the rigorous preparation paid off despite his initial doubts. “I never did a workout that gave me confidence, but my coach kept saying, ‘This will work once we come down.’ And it did.”

Hammer also acknowledged the role of his previous near-misses in fueling his determination: “If it wasn’t for those fourth-place finishes, I probably wouldn’t have been as motivated to race this time around. Fourth is painful, but it keeps you in the sport. It was all part of the journey that led me here, and I’ll look back on those fourth places fondly now.”

Megan Richter claims PTS4 Paralympic Gold in stunning debut

In a remarkable debut performance, Great Britain's Megan Richter stormed to victory in the PTS4 Women’s triathlon at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, seizing the gold medal after race favorite Kelly Elmlinger (USA) withdrew just hours before the start.

Richter, a newcomer to the sport, capitalized on the opportunity, showcasing her dominance from the very beginning. Her strong background as a Paralympic swimmer gave her an edge in the water, and she extended her lead during the run, ultimately crossing the finish line to secure her first Paralympic title.

Spain’s Marta Frances Gomez finished in second place, visibly thrilled with her silver medal, while the bronze went to another British athlete, Hannah Moore, rounding off a successful day for Team GB.

Water quality concerns lead to rescheduling of triathlon events

The triathlon events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were initially scheduled to take place over two days but were condensed into a single day due to ongoing concerns about the water quality in the Seine. Organizers had been closely monitoring the river’s condition, especially after heavy rains on Saturday exacerbated pollution levels, raising the presence of harmful bacteria like enterococci and E.coli. These concerns led to the postponement of the races from Sunday to Monday, ensuring the safety of the athletes.

This water quality issue is not new to Paris, despite the city’s extensive efforts to clean up the Seine ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics. A €1.4 billion upgrade to the city’s sewerage and water treatment systems was undertaken in preparation for these events, yet the river continues to face challenges, particularly after heavy rainfall, which can stir up pollutants from the riverbed. The water quality concerns had already disrupted Olympic events earlier in the summer, including triathlon and open-water swimming sessions, underscoring the persistent environmental challenges facing the city.

Despite these setbacks, the triathletes competing on Monday delivered exceptional performances, undeterred by the delays and the conditions of the course. Their determination and resilience were on full display, turning what could have been a logistical nightmare into a day of thrilling competition and historic achievements at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have seen extraordinary performances from athletes like Plat, Ribstein, Molina, Parker, Danz, Hanquinquant, Norman, Rodriguez, Ellis and Hammer, each of whom has written a new chapter in the history of Para triathlon, inspiring fans and fellow competitors alike.