Paralympic Queen Low Extends Reign at Third Consecutive Games | Day Seven

Long jump powerhouse Vanessa Low has put on a masterclass at the Paralympic Games once more, claiming a third-straight Paralympic title with a world record jump on Day Seven of athletics competition at Stade de France.

Putting her rivals on notice, Low (ACT, Scott Reardon) began the T63 competition with a bang, piling on 12cm to her previous world record to land at 5.45m (-0.3), and matching the distance again on her fifth attempt.

Her closest competitor, silver medallist Martina Carboni (T63) achieved a best attempt of 5.06m, further solidifying Low’s reign across the discipline.

“Today I really focussed on what needed to be done, and starting the jump with a smile was the key here. Anything done in a happy mindset is done better,” Low said.

“Before the first jump, the pressure just fell away and I was like, this is where I’m meant to be. I have worked so hard and we didn’t leave a single stone unturned this last year. It felt like ‘home’.”

Despite having achieved everything the sport has to offer, Low has her sights set on defying what many believe is possible by breaking the six-metre barrier – something no leg amputee has ever done in the event.

“I love putting myself on the big stage and I think I can jump six metres. I want to break down barriers.  We’re showing up not despite having a disability, but showing up as the best athlete we can be.”

The victory was extra sweet for Low, with her husband and coach Scott Reardon in the crowd along with their two-year-old son Matteo, who had changed her perspective on being an athlete.

“As much as I wanted the gold today, I didn’t need it because the journey (from motherhood) has been so full and with my first jump, I achieved everything I wanted to,” Low said.

“They’ve been such a massive part of this journey. I didn’t come back despite having a baby, I came back because Matteo changed me as a person and has made me physically and mentally stronger, because he’s given me so much perspective.

“To have him there today reminded me of all the tough days but also the rewarding moments, like seeing his face light up when he sees his mummy running down the runway and then the next day, he copies everything I do when he goes to gymnastics. It’s so special, and that’s why this is my most proud moment of my entire career.”

Australian captain Angie Ballard (ACT, Jamie Green) took on a lap around the track in style, when cruising to sixth place in the 400m T53 final, clocking 59.12. The former world record holder reflected once more on her time on the world stage stating:

“I’m pretty happy with all the support we’ve had from the French crowd here and we’re all feeling it from home too, which is really great,” she said.

“Improvement-wise, we need to still start talking to the people who compete and are part of the Paralympics, for example, one warm up track does not work for a wheelchair because we can’t set the steer – I don’t think people know that -  but these Games have proved that commerciality is there. People want to see us, so there’s so much more that can be done.”

Two-time Paralympian Maria Strong (VIC, John Eden) was gracious in defeat, with the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships bronze medallist achieving eighth place in the Women’s Shot Put F33 final.

In the seated event, Strong mustered up a best of 6.35m on their fourth attempt, with six athletes all throwing over the seven-metre mark, highlighting the increasing depth of the event since the Australian won bronze in Tokyo with a put of 6.63m.

Strong’s personal best time of 6.82m that won them silver at last year’s World Para Athletics Championships would have elevated them, just one place.

Jackson Hamilton (WA, Morgan Ward) experienced heartache upon his Paralympic debut, forced to retire during the Javelin Throw F13 competition.

Achieving 59.20m on his first attempt, a right elbow injury sustained during the second throw caused much upset to the Australian record holder, making the decision to retire after his fourth throw.

“It’s simply a part of it – these things happen and they’re inevitable. So you can’t sit there and wallow. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to compete here – it just wasn’t my time today for whatever reason,” Hamilton said. 

“I’ll learn from this and come back stronger because I intend to go to the next world championships and Paralympics. The fact this happened only makes me hungrier. I’m determined to bounce back.” 

It was a shattering ending for Sam McIntosh (ACT, Fred Periac) as he fell short in the 100m T52 heats to miss out on a spot in the final by one place and 0.09 seconds, when clocking 17.77 for fifth in Heat 2.

“Honestly, I’m heartbroken. I put in so much effort coming into this, it’s hard not to be disappointed by this,” McIntosh said.

Amid the heartbreak, the four-time Paralympian reflected on his journey to Stade de France, expressing his love for the Paralympic movement.

“It’s the sense of community. It’s amazing. Every four years it comes around, and it has given me a real sense of belonging since having my accident. It’s an incredible thing to be part of.”

Earlier in the day, Sam Rizzo (VIC, Richard Colman) and Luke Bailey (NSW, Andrew Dawes) returned to Stade de France for the 800m T54, with neither wheelchair racer able to progress to the final. Rizzo placed sixth in Heat 2, with a time of 1:45.33 while Bailey clocked 1:51.34 for seventh.

The Paralympic Games continue until August 11, with the athletics program running until the final day of competition.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 6/9/2024