Paris 2024 Paralympics: Para Archers Shine Despite Rainy Debut
On the morning of Friday, the Para archers made a highly anticipated entrance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, hosted on the picturesque Esplanade des Invalides. This event marked their grand debut before a substantial crowd, though mid-morning rainfall altered the initially celebratory atmosphere.
The competition commenced after a closed day dedicated to determining the top seeds, with the women’s compound archery event capturing the morning’s spotlight. Following a successful showcase at the Olympic Games, the venue finally welcomed spectators to witness the Paralympic events.
As the crowd gathered around 9 a.m., they were greeted with a stunning yet overcast view, featuring landmarks such as the Invalides on one side, the Grand Palais on the other, and the iconic Eiffel Tower straight ahead. Although the stands were not fully occupied during the early matches, attendance grew as the competition progressed. Enthusiastic applause accompanied each arrow released, creating an engaging atmosphere. The excitement heightened during a thrilling match between Poland’s Kseniya Markitantova and Bangladesh’s Joma Akter. After a fiercely contested five sets, the competitors were tied at 138-138. In a dramatic conclusion, Joma Akter managed a score of 10, yet it was Markitantova who triumphed with an X, igniting cheers from the audience.
By 10 a.m., the weather took a turn as rain began to fall, prompting spectators to don jackets and hoods while umbrellas bloomed throughout the crowd—some even noted the rumbling of thunder above. Despite the adverse conditions, the majority of the audience remained, committed to witness the ongoing competition. Among them was France’s Julie Rigault-Chupin, who prepared for her inaugural match in the rain against Turkey’s Sevgi Yorulmaz in the round of 16.
The support for Rigault-Chupin was palpable, with chants of “Julie! Julie!” and “Allez les Bleus!” ringing out through the stands. After trailing 53 to 51 after two rounds, she successfully leveled the score to 103 each after the fourth round. With an impressive final arrow scoring a 10, the French archer secured her victory.
Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Rigault-Chupin expressed her gratitude for the crowd’s encouragement, stating, “When I walked in and heard ‘Allez Julie,’ it really touched me.” With ambition guiding her journey, Ms. Rigault-Chupin now aspires to earn a medal in the upcoming events, showcasing the resilience and competitive spirit that defines the Paralympic Games.
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