Paris Paralympics: Jiang Yuyan beats ‘greatest pressure’ for China’s first swimming gold
Jiang’s triumph followed by another for Chen Yi after cyclists Li Zhangyu and Wang Xiaomei opened China’s gold medal account
China’s Jiang Yuyan said she had to overcome a bout of stage fright to retain her 50 metres freestyle S6 crown and claim her country’s first swimming gold at the Paris Paralympics.
Jiang revealed she was “more nervous” in the French capital than when she took gold at the last Games in Tokyo, but she managed to find some composure in time to win in 32.59 seconds on Thursday (local time).
“When you’ve trained to a certain level and you know you’re capable of being among the world’s best, it makes you want the medals even more,” Jiang said.
“Three days ago, I was still feeling like I wasn’t in the competition mindset yet. I know that I have what it takes to get onto the podium, but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get myself there mentally.
“I told myself I would swim every race like a final, I wanted to find my competition momentum. How I did in the heats this morning gave me confidence for the final.”
Jiang broke the Paralympic record in her heat with 32.70 to qualify fastest. And her time in the final lowered it again, as the six-time world champion won ahead of Ellie Marks of the United States, who clocked 32.90, and Anna Hontar of Ukraine, in 33.01.
