Paris 2024: Para Rowers Set to Battle for Gold Amidst Disneyland Vibes

At the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, a total of 104 Para rowers will compete for coveted medals at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. Nestled amidst a picturesque setting of 450 trees, this green venue enjoys a unique location near the iconic Disneyland Paris theme park.

The stadium boasts a capacity of 14,000 spectators, ready to witness three days of thrilling Para rowing action from 30 August to 1 September. Since its debut at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, Para rowing has become a highly anticipated event, showcasing five captivating disciplines – three of which are mixed: two PR2 and PR3 double sculls and one PR3 coxed four.

Great Britain reigns supreme in the Para rowing medal table with a formidable collection of 10 medals, including an impressive eight golds. Closely trailing are China with six medals and Ukraine with five.

Five Storylines to Watch:

Ukraine's Roman Polianskyi Chases Third Consecutive Title

Roman Polianskyi, a true rowing prodigy, claimed gold in the Para rowing single sculls at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, achieving this remarkable feat just two years after taking up the sport. He repeated his triumph in Tokyo, cementing his place as a formidable force in the world of Para rowing.

However, his path to a third consecutive title has been significantly altered by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "Everything changed because of the war," he reflected, highlighting the challenges he has faced. "When we are in Ukraine, the air-warning system screams every day, the siren doesn't stop. Also, the sounds are transmitted by vibration and shock waves. It's very frightening."

Despite the hardships, the 37-year-old, who has trained in Ukraine, Croatia, and Turkey, remains undeterred. "The strongest opponent I ever met is laziness," he declared, demonstrating his unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle.

Will Birgit Skarstein Repeat Her Paralympic Winter and Summer Double?

Birgit Skarstein, a true sporting icon from Norway, has achieved remarkable success in both rowing and cross-country skiing. She has not only secured the overall World Cup title in both disciplines but has also celebrated numerous individual World Cup victories across snow and water.

At Tokyo 2020, she achieved her first Paralympic podium finish, claiming the gold medal in the women's PR1 single sculls. Now, three years later, the 35-year-old, who also achieved fame in Norway's "Dancing with the Stars," aims to defend her title.

Her training in Vaires-sur-Marne has been a unique experience, with the proximity to Disneyland Paris offering a stark contrast to her rigorous preparations. "The contrast is amazing as we’re in hardcore preparations for the Paralympic Games and you have children everywhere with Mickey Mouse hats eating ice cream," she shared. "The other day there was this cute two-year-old pushing the buttons in the lift. I asked her if she did anything interesting, and she said, ‘I did the (Mad Hatter's) Tea Cups. They were the best I’ve ever done'. It gives a perspective to what we’re doing.”

Paralympic Debutant Katie O'Brien Dreams of Gold

Ireland's Katie O'Brien's journey into Para rowing began with a special moment: watching the London 2012 Paralympic Games with her father, who sadly passed away a month later. Inspired by the event, O'Brien, now 27, embarked on her own rowing journey. Her dedication has paid off, culminating in a World Championship gold medal in the women's single sculls PR2 in 2022.

Now, O'Brien will make her Paralympic debut, aiming to repeat her world championship success on the grand stage. "I'd absolutely love to be on that podium," she shared. "But everybody wants to, and it's a tight field. You never know what can happen on the day. So we are keeping our hopes up and doing our best, and hopefully, things work."

British Rowers Aim for New Greatness

Great Britain dominated the Para rowing scene at Tokyo 2020, securing two of the four gold medals available. With their formidable track record, the rowing powerhouse will be gunning for top spots on the medal table again this year.

Lauren Rowles and Laurence Whiteley successfully defended their mixed double sculls title from Rio 2016 in Tokyo. This time, Rowles will be paired with Gregg Stevenson, hoping to make history as the first Para rower to secure three consecutive Paralympic gold medals.

Giedre Rakauskaite, a key member of the victorious PR3 mixed coxed four team, will be aiming to defend the title Great Britain has held since London 2012. Fellow British rower Benjamin Pritchard is determined to make amends after narrowly missing out on a podium spot in Tokyo.

World Champion Jed Altschwager Favourite in Paralympic Debut

Jed Altschwager, a multi-medallist at world championships, has transitioned from men's to PR3 mixed double sculls, securing his first world title in 2023 alongside teammate Nikki Ayers. Their remarkable journey began at an Australian rowing camp in 2017, and they were subsequently named 2023 World Rowing Para crew of the year.

Ayers shared her motivation for rowing the double, "Getting to row with a mate every day and enjoy the journey was the biggest deciding factor for me." She added, "I know Jed is always putting in 110 per cent each day as he knows I am too."

With Paris 2024 marking Altschwager's Paralympic debut, the duo are poised to make a strong bid for a podium finish.

As the excitement builds for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the Para rowing events promise to deliver captivating performances, demonstrating remarkable athleticism and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. With a backdrop of Disneyland magic and the thrill of competition, the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium is set to be a stage for unforgettable moments of sporting excellence.