Strong Performances from Irish Para Athletics Team as Qualification Window for Paris Draws to a Close

Alex Lee was first of the Irish athletes to take to the track on day two in Paris. The Galway man finished the 200m T64 in a time of 24.23 which was unfortunately just short of a high performance standard for Paris 2024.

Fresh from her international debut yesterday, Lana Sutton contested the Long Jump T37/38 finishing third overall.

Speaking after her event Sutton said: “Yeah it was alright. There were some frustrating parts in the middle but ultimately it was good and I felt it was very consistent and I was happy to get four jumps over four metres.”

When asked about her experience at her first international competition she said: “It’s incredible, there were loads of excited fans out there. There was a really good energy and it was great to experience that.”

Mary Fitzgerald was the only athlete to contest the F40 Shot Put. Her best throw out of six was 7.51.

Cathal Ryan closed out the competition for the Irish contingent in the 400m T46/47. A powerful start for the Cork man saw him in contention to reach the high-performance standard for Paris but unfortunately a slower second half of his race means that his time of 51.79 was not enough, despite finishing in second place.

Speaking after his race Cathal said: “I felt it was ok. I knew I had to go out quickly in the first 200 just based on the people around me. With the wind and everything I felt like I really paid the price in the last 50 metres.”

The qualification window for Paris 2024 closes on June 16th and so this competition marked the last chance for Irish athletes to solidify their place on the team ahead of the Paralympic Games in August.

Greta Streimikyte 1500m T13 / 1st Place / 4:39.21

Aaron Shorten 1500m T20 / 4th Place / 4:04.13

Alex Lee 200m T64 / 5th Place / 24.23

Lana Stutton Long Jump T37/38 / 3rd Place

Mary Fitzgerald Shot Put F40 / Best throw: 7.51

Cathal Ryan 400m T46/47 / 2nd Place / 51.79