Paris 2024: Altschwager and Ayers take gold in new Para rowing class

The final day of Para rowing in Paris featured five gold medals. Australia’s Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers won gold in the new mixed double sculls PR3 class, becoming the first Paralympians to hold this title.

Great Britain had a fantastic day, winning gold medals in three events: men’s single sculls PR1, mixed double sculls PR2, and mixed coxed four PR3.

Norway’s Birgit Lovise Roekkum Skarstein finished second in the women’s singles PR1, behind Moran Samuel of Israel. France’s Nathalie Benoit came in third. The final Para rowing events took place at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, a green area with 450 trees, close to Disneyland Paris. Para canoeing will start on September 6.

A Golden Start for Altschwager

Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers both had an emotional Paralympic debut. Altschwager’s family watched from South Australia, and he received a video message from his wife and kids. “It’s amazing they stayed up to watch,” he said. “It’s for them, and coming home with a medal is very special.”

Ayers, who competed in Tokyo 2020, felt a different kind of excitement in Paris. “My family is here, and it means the world to me. It’s been a tough two years, and I’m so grateful for their support,” she said.

Success for Altschwager and Ayers

Altschwager and Ayers achieved great success together. They set goals to be “undeniable and unbeatable,” and they succeeded. “Being world champions and now Paralympic champions shows our hard work has paid off,” said Ayers.

Tokyo 2020 Rematch: Skarstein and Samuel

Birgit Skarstein, the reigning Paralympic champion in women’s single sculls PR1, finished second this time. She and Moran Samuel have competed against each other for 13 years. “Moran has pushed me to be better, and I try to push her too,” said Skarstein.

Skarstein struggled with tough wind conditions but focused on staying calm and believing in herself. “It was a rough race, but I’m happy with silver,” she said.

Moran Samuel, who had won bronze in Rio and silver in Tokyo, finally won gold. “Winning this race was the most important for me,” Samuel said. She was also pleased for Nathalie Benoit, who won bronze in her home country. “I didn’t know if I had silver or bronze, so I’m really happy with silver,” Skarstein added.

Benoit was thrilled with her bronze medal. “When I crossed the line and saw I was third, I was so happy,” she said.