Anna Grimaldi has achieved an extraordinary milestone by securing New Zealand’s first gold medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris, an accomplishment she attained in the T47 200-meter final rather than her primary discipline. Grimaldi exhibited remarkable performance, winning the race in an impressive Oceania record time of 24.72 seconds. This victory marks Grimaldi’s second medal at these Games, following her bronze achievement in the 100 meters.

Nevertheless, the athlete from Dunedin faced disappointment in her specialty event, the long jump, where she narrowly missed a podium finish, placing fourth. However, she made a stunning comeback in the 200 meters, executing a powerful turn and establishing a clear lead ahead of her competitors. Born without a right hand, Grimaldi proudly served as one of New Zealand’s flag bearers during the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics.

This latest gold medal adds to her impressive collection, which now stands at four Paralympic medals, including previous golds in the long jump at the 2016 and 2020 Games. In the 200 meters final, she surpassed her nearest rival, American Brittni Mason, while Thailand’s Sasirawan Inthachot secured third place. Grimaldi had previously set an Oceania record in the 200-meter heat, clocking a time of 25.09 seconds earlier in the competition.

Interestingly, the 200 meters is considered her third best event, making this gold medal victory even more remarkable. Following the long jump disappointment, which left her just one centimeter shy of a medal, Grimaldi expressed the emotional turbulence of the past two days. “It has been a strange 48 hours. I strive to maintain a focus on my performance rather than the outcome; however, yesterday’s result came as a shock,” she remarked.

Grimaldi acknowledged her initial concerns regarding the 200 meters, given her limited experience in that event and the last-minute tactical discussions prior to the race. Despite her uncertainties, she was able to hold her composure and achieve a personal best time that exceeded her expectations. Reflecting on her journey from previous competitions, she emphasized the growth she has undergone, stating, “The progression from Rio to Tokyo has taught me to appreciate being healthy and present. This newfound freedom was evident in my performance today and yesterday.”

With this outstanding gold medal victory, New Zealand’s total medal count in the Paris Paralympics has now reached eight, including four silver and three bronze medals. Anna Grimaldi’s remarkable achievement not only exemplifies her exceptional athletic talent but also serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and determination in the world of para-sports.

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