Stage set as Paralympic Games begin in Rio
What you need to know:
- The final of the men’s 100m T13 takes place on Friday morning, where Smyth will be hoping to achieve a memorable third consecutive 100m Paralympic title.
As the 15th edition of the Paralympics Games get under way today at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, fierce competition will be expected where a galaxy of stars will be battling it out for honours in different disciplines.
With many of the world’s top Para athletic sprinters likely to be in action at the Olympic Stadium, expectations are high for thrilling displays.
“There’s no doubt Friday is going to showcase some unbelievable action on the track,” International Paralympic Committee president Sir Philip Craven, told the IPC website.
“The schedule is jam-packed with a number of superb sprint events and we all know how exciting 100m races can be… if you look at the names that are going to line-up, we know we can expect big things.”
The final of the men’s 100m T13 takes place on Friday morning, where Smyth will be hoping to achieve a memorable third consecutive 100m Paralympic title.
At the last two Paralympic Games, Smyth lowered his world record and will be hoping to go faster than the 10.46 seconds he clocked at London 2012.
AFRICA GAMES GOLD MEDALLIST
On the other hand, Durand, who won a hat-trick of world titles last year setting four new world records on the way, will be aiming for a place in the final of the women’s 100m T12, which takes place on Friday’s evening session. Her current world record stands at 11.48seconds.
However, for Kenya, which lacks representation in 100m, interest will be in the men’s 400 metres heats where Henry Nzungi will be aiming for a top finish to confirm a place in the semi-final set for the same day in the afternoon.
Henry Nzungi (T12 - partially blind), a gold medallist in 400m at the All African Games in Congo last year and world champion in Dubai in March, is a medal prospect and will thus be under pressure when he takes on the track.
Besides Nzungi, compatriots, Samwel Muchai (T11 - totally blind), Erick Sang and Wilson Bii (both T11) will be keenly watched as they battle it out for podium finishes in the final of 5,000m on Friday morning.
Speaking to Daily Nation Sport last week, sprinters coach Mike Omondi was upbeat of his athletes’ chances.
“I have full faith in them. They’re ready,” Omondi said.
