Carneiro Twins Live Their Paralymic Podium Sharing Dream At Paris 2024
The fifth night of the swimming finals in Paris had the most beautiful moment, a family podium. Brazilian twins Beatriz and Débora Carneiro lived their long-lived dream of sharing the Paralympic podium together in the 100m breaststroke SB14 finally at Paris 2024.
Although the twins were leading in the first 50m, however, Louise Fiddes (GBR) overtook them both and claimed the gold medal (01:15:47 sec). Débora Carneiro took silver with a time of 01:16:02 sec, while Beatriz took bronze (01:16:46 sec).
Carneiro twins after finishing the S14100m Breaststroke at Paris 2024. Photo Credit: NPC Brasil
“We really wanted to win this medal together! We do everything together and this was missing! All the sacrifices were worth it! I was afraid our father would have a heart attack in the stands! He came to Paris to watch us compete, him and our stepmother,” said Débora.
“We dedicate the medal to our father, who is our main supporter and motivator, and today is his 61st birthday,” explained Beatriz.
Throughout their careers, which began in 2017, the sisters have taken turns on the podium at the Paralympics and World Swimming Championships. Beatriz won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games and the 2022 Madeira World Championships. Débora was the world champion in Manchester 2023.
At the 2023 Santiago Parapan American Games, the sisters shared the podium in this event for the first time where Beatriz in first and Débora in second.
In the men’s event, Canada’s Nicholas Bennett broke the country’s 12-year drought of gold medals among men, dating back to the 2012 London Games. He finished the 100m breaststroke in 01:03:98 sec.
Nicholas Bennett receives his silver medal in the men’s 200m freestyle S14 during the Paralympic Games in Paris. Photo Credit: Canadian Paralympic Committee/Dave Holland
Nick Bennett, now part of Canadian swimming history, expressed his deep pride in winning Canada’s 400th medal since the country’s Paralympic debut.
“It’s an absolute honour just to be a part of this milestone,” he said. Reflecting on his journey, Nick credited his coach, who has been a significant figure in his life since 2021, for his steady progression since Tokyo. “It’s just been amazing growth,” he shared.
Standing on the podium, Nick felt a mix of emotions.
“The joy of competing against the best athletes in the world and being the best out of them, and the relief of showing the world that I’m one of the best,” he said.
At just 20, Nick finds it “indescribable” to be part of Canadian swimming history, with more to come as he prepares for his strongest event, the 200 IM, in which he holds the world record. “Hopefully, but as I say, it’s anyone’s race until the end.”
The podium was completed by Australian Jake Michel, who took silver (01:04:27 – an Oceania record), and Japanese Naohide Yamaguchi, who took bronze (01:04:94).
“I wanted to win the gold medal, but I just had a bronze. I experienced some physical fatigue during the second half of the course so I regret that I could not perform my 100%.”
Competitions for the S14 class will resume in swimming on the 4th with the Men’s and Women’s 200m medley.
WR for Aysel in Women’s T20 400m
Aysel Onder after breaking Photo Credit: Çorum News
“I am very happy and proud. I hope tomorrow I will break my own world record and return to my country with a gold medal,” Aysel said.
“But honestly, I don’t know how this time was achieved. Maybe it’s the effort I’ve been putting in for the past four years. I feel very good, and I would like to thank the Turkish people for supporting us.”
Breanna Clark expressed her determination: “I’m glad I came back. After all that we’ve been through this year, I’m able to show the world what I’m really made of.”
JEEVANJI Deepthi (IND), who became a sensation after breaking the WR at Kobe 2024, also qualified for the finals. Joining them in the final race tomorrow are SHULIAR Yuliia (UKR), ANGULO Lizanshel (ECU), da SILVA BARROS Antonia Keyla (BRA), and BLACKSMITH Telaya (AUS).
Evellyn Santos and Prokofeva Elena qualified for the quarterfinals in the Women’s Class 11 Table Tennis
SANTOS Evellyn in action at Paris 2024. Photo Credit: ITTF
n the Women’s Class 11 Round of 16, Brazil’s Evellyn Santos delivered an impressive performance, defeating NG Mui Wui from Hong Kong with a 3-0 sweep (11-4, 11-8, 11-9).
Meanwhile, in a closely contested match, PROKOFEVA Elena (NPA) took the first two games against MACUROVA Denisa (CZE) with scores of 11-7 and 11-4. Denisa fought back in the third game, winning 14-12 and giving her fans some hope. However, Elena secured the victory by winning the fourth game 11-5, advancing to the next round.
ACER Ebru (TUR), FERNEY Lea (FRA), WADA Natsuki (JPN), WONG Ting Ting (HKG), KOSMINA Natalia (UKR) and FURUKAWA Kanami (JPN) were given bye and qualified for the quarterfinals directly.
