Triathlon events at the Paralympic Games finally got the green light Monday after water quality issues, and home favorite Alexis Hanquinquant seized his chance to defend his title and claim one of France’s four gold medals of the day.
The Normandy native finished in 58 minutes, 1 second – almost three minutes ahead of American Carson Clough and Spain’s Nil Riudavets Victory – who claimed silver and bronze respectively in the men’s PTS4 class triathlon.
Hanquinquant – already number one in World Triathlon Para Rankings – raised his arms in triumph and pointed to his name as the home fans cheered, while the athletes finishing behind him slumped to the ground in exhaustion.
“It was really a perfect race, I even allowed myself the luxury of slowing down on the last lap. The crowd was incredible. I heard ‘Alexis, Alexis’ all the way through,” Hanquinquant said. “Doing it at home is exceptional, I’m so happy, it’s so beautiful”.
Hanquinquant had his right leg amputated just below the knee in 2013, about three years after it was crushed by agricultural equipment in a work accident.
Sport classes PTS2 to 5 are for athletes with limitations in lower or upper limbs who don’t need a handcycle for the cycling segment or a racing chair for the running segment.
Prosthetic legs and bike modifications are allowed.
Four-time world champion claims gold
Earlier in the day, Alsace native Jules Ribstein also won gold for France in the men’s PTS2. As the crowd roared, Ribstein flexed his biceps and slammed his chest as he crossed the finish line.
Overcome with emotion, the four-time world champion broke down in tears in a post-race interview with French TV.
Ribstein finished ahead of Americans Mohamed Lahna and Mark Barr, who were second and third, respectively.
Hailey Danz of the United States won the women’s PTS2 triathlon, compatriot Grace Norman took gold in the women’s PTS5, and Chris Hammer claimed another triathlon victory for the U.S. in the men’s PTS5.
More medals for Team France
In addition, Frenchmen Thibaut Rigaudeau won silver and Antoine Perel bronze, one after the other, in the same category for visually impaired athletes.
As with the Olympic Games, the para triathlon began with a swimming event in the River Seine.
After the 750m swim, the para-athletes had to cycle 20 kilometres and run 5 kilometres through the streets of Paris – which were more or less crowded with spectators depending on the location – on what was back-to-school Monday.
The 11 events, which had already been rescheduled, were postponed from Sunday because of concerns about the water in the Seine after rainstorms.
Heavy rains cause wastewater and runoff to flow into the river, leading to a rise in bacteria levels.
(with AP)
