Who are Scots to watch at the Paralympics?
Paris will be the backdrop as the 2024 Paralympics get under way on Wednesday with the opening ceremony preceding competition starting early on Thursday.
There’s plenty of Scottish interest within the Paralympic GB team looking to build on a second place medal table finish in Tokyo three years ago.
Here are just some of those Scottish athletes to look out for as they look to reach the podium in Paris.
Para-archery
Nathan McQueen is Scotland’s hope here having won numerous medals at World and European level. Last year, he topped the rankings with a World silver and double European gold in the men’s individual and team compound class.
Para-athletics
A familiar face from her TV presenter role on BBC’s Countryfile programme, Sammi Kinghorn will race for a podium finish in the T53 100m, 400m, 800m and 4x100m relay. Based in Cheshire but originally from Melrose, Kinghorn bagged her first Paralympic medals in Tokyo with bronze in the 100m and silver in the 400m.
Para-cycling
Piloted by Chris Latham, Steve Bate has genuine medal prospects in the Men’s B classification.
He has previous, wining gold in the individual pursuit and road time trial and bronze in the road race at Rio 2016.
Bate also picked up silver at the Tokyo Paralympics in the Men’s Pursuit B.
Neil Fachie needs little introduction. Where do you start with his long list of achievements? He is a serial medal winner and will compete in the Men’s B with partner Matt Rotherham. With two Paralympic gold medals already, Fachie will be favourite to make it a hat-trick going into Paris as World and defending Paralympic champions in what will be his fifth Paralympic Games. Link to Tyrone piece.
Fin Graham is also one to watch as he aims for a podium finish in the C3 class. A silver medallist in Tokyo, Graham will hope to go one better.
Para-canoe
Keep an eye out for Hope Gordon who is Scotland’s hope of a medal on the water. She is in medalling form this year heading into Paris with a couple of silvers at the World Championships. Gordon has a few strings to her bow, having also previously competed at the Paralympic Winter Games in Para Nordic Skiing.
Para-swimming
Aberdeen’s Toni Shaw made her Paralympic debut at Tokyo three years ago and came so close to the podium, finishing fourth a remarkable three times. She did take home a prize though, attaining a bronze in the S9 400m freestyle. Since then, Shaw has added multiple medals at World and European level and will be a contender for more in Paris.
Stephen Clegg has a family name to uphold as he looks to add to his own medal haul at these Paralympic Games. His sister Libby and brother James are medallists at this level with Stephen looking to better a silver and two bronze medals in Tokyo.
Wheelchair tennis
Last, but far from least, is multi-medallist Gordon Reid who will enter the famous Roland Garros arenas hungry for more success. An individual singles gold at Rio 2016 was his highlight, followed by bronze three years ago. He’s twice won silver with partner Alfie Hewitt in the doubles. Expect Reid to be challenging that podium again over the coming competition.