David Smith mounted a fightback to retain his Paralympic title in Boccia’s BC1 class and earn Great Britain their first gold of day eight at the Tokyo Paralympics.
World champion Smith, who triumphed in Rio five years ago, had to come from behind to beat Malaysia’s Chew Wei Lun.
Smith, 32, trailed 2-0 after the opening end at Ariake Gymnastics Centre but held his nerve, levelling with consecutive one-point wins before edging the decider for a 4-2 success.
Emotions running high after the celebrations from @Bocciasmithy! #Boccia #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/ORZVRxnn5I — Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) September 1, 2021
Becky Redfern added silver for Britain in the pool in the SB13 100m breaststroke.
Germany’s Elena Krawzow took gold ahead of 21-year-old Redfern, who finished in one minute 14.10 seconds.
There was a bronze medal for Britain on the track for Sammi Kinghorn in the T53 100 metres.
BRONZE for @Sam_Kinghorn 🥉 Our first medal in the women’s T53 100m since 2004 🙌 Brilliant from Kinghorn.#ImpossibleToIgnore pic.twitter.com/8DNJ4vrX58 — ParalympicsGB (@ParalympicsGB) September 1, 2021
She clocked 16.53 seconds to claim a podium spot with China taking gold and silver via Gao Fang (16.29) and Zhou Hongzhuan (16.48) respectively.
Earlier British archer Victoria Rumary picked up a medal on her Paralympic debut by taking bronze in the W1 women’s individual event.
Having defeated Brazilian Rejane Candida Da Silva and Italy’s Asia Pellizzari, the 33-year-old was denied progression to the gold medal match by a 127-107 loss to Czech Sarka Musilova.
Rumary recovered from that setback to earn the final podium place at Yumenoshima Final Field courtesy of a 131-123 success against American Lia Coryell.
Rumary first took up archery as a 14-year-old, made her international debut six years ago and came into these Games ranked world number one in the W1 category.
BRONZE for Victoria Rumary!🥉 A Paralympic debut medal! #ImpossibleToIgnore #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/4kIcLJiCBf — ParalympicsGB (@ParalympicsGB) September 1, 2021
Britain also bagged a bronze medal in the table tennis.
The men’s class 8 team of Aaron McKibbin, Billy Shilton and Ross Wilson secured it after going down 2-0 in their semi-final against China.
Picture of the day
Social media moment
Giving you some wholesome content on this platform 💕 pic.twitter.com/Qt4jCOYh3O
— #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) September 1, 2021
Russian Chermen Kobesov had a special celebration after coming third in the men’s 400m T37.
Figure of the day
What’s coming up on Thursday?
Cycling star Sarah Storey will be bidding to make history as she chases a 17th Paralympic gold medal in the C4-5 road race that would put her out on her own as the British Paralympian with the most gold medals.
Yes yes yes yes! I couldn’t have asked for a better course & prep to make this happen! Thank you to everyone who’s been involved in my time trial project! It’s been years in the making, so it feels extra special this morning 🥇🤩 https://t.co/3PL7UMSZji — Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) August 31, 2021
Storey drew level with swimmer Mike Kenny, who claimed 16 golds, when she won the C5 time trial on Tuesday, her second gold in Tokyo. She won her first gold in the C5 3000m individual pursuit on the opening day of the Games.
In the pool, Bethany Firth will be gunning for gold in the S14 100m backstroke.
Meanwhile Dan Pembroke will be hoping he can get among the medals in the men’s F13 javelin.
