PARIS PARALYMPICS 2024: Australia Paralympic co-captain criticises Games organisers over 400m wheelchair race
Angie Ballard has lambasted the organisers of the Paris Games.
The Australian team co-captain revealed in the build-up to the 400m race on Thursday wheelchair athletes were only given three lanes to conduct warm-ups.
“We’re here to perform out there, not show you how we can survive that challenge,” Ballard said.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Ballard, who raced in lane nine, had to completely reset her steering in the frantic moments leading into her race because the angles didn’t match the practice track.
Wheelchair athletes have pointed out throughout the Games that the stadium design at several venues - most notably the narrow corridors of the Stade de France - are challenging to navigate.
“You don’t have to add on afterwards... (so) I don’t have to do 57 right hand turns through here (the media zone), which is not good for me,” Ballard said.
“I don’t have to go over crappy surfaces with my very expensive tires that could pop at any moment.
“There’s all these things that, if you designed (with para-athletes) in mind from the get-go, then everyone’s able to perform at their best.”
