Published: 16:22, September 4, 2024
Paralympics day 6: China brings home 200th para athletics gold since 1984
By Xinhua
Zou Lijuan of China celebrates after winning the women's shot put F43 final at the Paris Paralympics on Sept 3, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

PARIS - Zou Lijuan won the women's shot put F43 final at Stade de France on Tuesday, securing her second gold medal and marking China's 200th para-athletics gold since their first victory at the Paralympics in 1984.

"It makes me happier than just winning a gold medal for myself," Zou said. "This remarkable achievement attributes to the government's concern for people with disabilities and athletes' spirit of persistence."

Also in para-athletics, Lamiya Valiyeva's world record time of 11.76 seconds secured her the T13 100m Paralympic title for Azerbaijan.

Zou Lijuan of China competes during the women's shot put F43 final at the Paris Paralympics on Sept 3, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Kimberly Alkmade of the Netherlands set a new record in the women's 200m T64 with a time of 25.42 seconds, and American Ezra French raised the Paralympic record to 1.94 meters in the men's high jump T63.

The Chinese swimming team shone at La Defense Arena, winning four golds, four silvers, and three bronzes in just six races. They impressively swept the medals in the men's 50m backstroke S5 final before achieving the same feat in the women's event.

ALSO READ: Paralympics day 5: China shuttlers bag seven golds, pregnant archer wins title

Gold medalist Yuan Weiyi (center), sliver medalist Guo Jincheng (right) and bronze medalist Wang Lichao pose with their medals after winning the men's 50m backstroke S5 final at the Paris Paralympics on Sept 3, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Men's 50m backstroke S5 gold medalist Yuan Weiyi was not surprised by their success.

"Before the competition, we said to each other, 'We will take all the medals. All the medals need to go to China,'" Yuan said. "We are very proud we made it happen."

READ MORE: Paralympics day 4: China dominates para table tennis, Refugee Team claims a medal

The United States claimed two gold medals and one silver on the first day of para-equestrian at the Chateau de Versailles. Rebecca Hart won her first gold in the individual event grade III at her fifth Paralympic Games, while her teammate and Paralympic debutant Fiona Howard took the title in grade II.