Paralympics day one: Records tumble on opening day in Tokyo

Dame Sarah Storey set a new leading time en route to the final in the 3000m individual pursuit.

Pa Sport Staff
Tuesday 24 August 2021 23:46 EDT
Great Britain’s Dame Sarah Storey set a world record (Tim Goode/PA)
Great Britain’s Dame Sarah Storey set a world record (Tim Goode/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Records tumbled in the pool and velodrome as the Paralympic Games kicked off in Tokyo

Dame Sarah Storey set a new world record as she rode her way into the 3000m individual pursuit final, beating her previous best by more than eight seconds.

And earlier in the morning session, Britain’s Reece Dunn took more than two seconds off the Paralympic best time for the S14 100m butterfly, a record which had only just been set minutes earlier in a previous heat.

His time of 55.99 seconds was well ahead of the 58.38 by Australian Liam Schluter, but still short of his world record of 54.46 from 2019.

Picture of the day

Social media moment

Dunn swept away the field to stand him in good stead ahead of the final on Wednesday evening in Tokyo.

What’s coming up?

Team GB will be taking a gold medal in the 3000m individual pursuit as Dame Sarah Storey – aiming to become the country’s most successful Paralympian – will face Crystal Lane-Wright at 6.32am UK time, while Dunn’s final will take place at 10.04am.

ParalympicsGB’s first swimming medal could come in the women’s 400m freestyle S9 at 9.10am after Toni Shaw came through with the second-fastest time of 4:46.19.

Elsewhere, GB’s wheelchair rugby team face Canada in their first pool phase game, while the women’s wheelchair basketball team also play Canada.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in