- Made history at the Tokyo Olympics
- She supported him at the Paris Games.
- Australia continues its good run in cycling
Amanda Reid could not hide her delight as Australia’s strong form continued on the velodrome, defending her Paralympic gold medal in the C1-3 500m time trial in style.
Reid sealed one of two gold medals Australia claimed in Paris on Saturday when the table tennis duo of Lina Lei and Qian Yang won their WD20 women’s doubles final against Chinese Taipei.
This back-to-back win was particularly significant for Reid, who became the first indigenous Australian to claim a gold medal when she won the same race in Tokyo three years ago.
The 28-year-old completed her two laps on Saturday in a calculated time of 36.676 to ensure she will be Paralympic champion until Los Angeles in four years.
Reid’s first place finish added to the two golds won by Korey Boddington and Emily Petricola at the Velodrome National in Paris 24 hours earlier.
Reid, who has cerebral palsy, told reporters the result was particularly gratifying after having suffered a back injury over the past year.
“It was absolutely incredible considering the 12-plus months I’ve had,” Reid said.
“I just came in to go as fast as I could and ended up winning gold over and over again, which is amazing.”
Australia’s Amanda Reid on the podium after winning gold in the C1-3 500m time trial
Reid celebrates with his team after an emotional victory at the Paris Games velodrome
An emotional Reid backed her performance at the Tokyo Olympics in Paris
Reid added: “This will mean so much more because of everything I’ve had to overcome.”
The cyclist’s haul came after Australia’s track stars began racing earlier in the day at the Stade de France.
After Jaryd Clifford was disqualified from winning bronze, Madison de Rozario finished third in the 5000m T54 final before Michael Roeger claimed a silver medal in the 1500m T46.
Elsewhere, in the La Defense Arena pool, Jack Ireland finished with a bronze medal and set an Oceania record in the men’s 200m freestyle S14 final.
But it was not until late in the evening that Australia claimed its second gold medal when the Chinese duo of Lina and Qian claimed a 11-7, 11-6, 2-11, 12-10 victory.
Australia’s Michael Roeger (centre) finishes second in the 1500m T46 at the Stade de France
Coach Maggie Meng said the strong personal connection between the two means they are in sync every time they play against each other.
“On the table, they’ve been playing with each other for years, and off the table they’re best friends,” Meng said.
‘Qian’s mentality is very strong and Lina has a lot of experience.
‘They play as one person, there are no spaces between them.’
This was the seventh Paralympic medal for Qian, who, 28, had won three competing for China.
Meanwhile, Lina collected her tenth Paralympic medal and said the opportunity to do so alongside her childhood friend had special meaning.
“It’s exciting to get our first gold medal in doubles. It has a different meaning for us, because last time in Tokyo we only got singles medals,” Lina said.
‘I have won many medals, but each time I feel a different meaning… We are very close friends, we have known each other since Qian was a child.’