PARIS: James Turner winning gold in world record time, Jaryd Clifford missing bronze by 0.01 of a second and a marriage proposal on the back of tragedy were among the stories that defined day six of the Paralympic Games.
Here’s what you missed while you were sleeping.
Aussie defies glandular fever to win gold, break world record
The Australian sprinter won his third Paralympic gold medal from three Games and broke his own world record, storming to victory in the men’s T36 400m in a time of 51.54 seconds.
He revealed after his win at the Stade de France that a battle with glandular fever in the months leading up to the Games had left him facing “waves of exhaustion”, affected by “delirium” and struggling to walk..
Jaryd Clifford’s staggering misfortune
Clifford remarked after racing in the men’s T13 1500m final: “It’s so ridiculous that it’s funny”.
The vision-impaired runner was referring to a double stroke of mega misfortune suffered in Paris.
Three days after crossing the finish line of the men’s T13 5000m in third place before being stripped of bronze due to a disqualification, Clifford fell short of bronze by just 0.01 of a second in the T13 1500m at the Stade de France on Tuesday.
For the second time in three days, he broke down in tears.
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Alex Saffy emotional after winning bronze
The 18-year-old Australian swimmer spoke with raw honesty about his struggles with homesickness after snaring bronze in the men’s 100m butterfly S10.
“Didn’t know anyone [when I moved to Canberra],” Saffy told reporters.
“Left my family, went to a new school. It was a big change, I’m happy it’s paid off.
“Homesickness was a big one. I love my family, we’re all so close. So leaving them was such a big sacrifice.
“I’ve really questioned if everything in this sport is worth it for me and I’ve doubted it a lot, and that medal is such a relief.”
Beautiful moment nine years after unthinkable tragedy
Alessandro Ossola of Italy proposed to his partner after finishing fifth in the men’s T63 100m at the Stade de France.
An emphatic “yes” followed.
Ossola has rebuilt his life following a devastating incident nine years ago.
His first wife was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash that also ripped off most of his left leg.
See our OH What A Feeling! gallery here.
Rollers’ Paris campaign ended by Brits
The Paralympic campaign of the Australian men’s basketball team, the Rollers, ended in at the hands of Great Britain.
The Australians suffered an 84-64 defeat in the quarter-finals.
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