Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: Birgit Skarstein claims silver as Moran Samuel takes first gold in Para rowing for Israel

While silver wasn't the title-defence moment that Birgit Skarstein of Norway had envisioned, it was a hard-won victory that she fought for with every ounce of determination.

The Norwegian claimed silver in the women’s single sculls PR1 on Sunday 1 September, finishing behind Israel’s Moran Samuel who won a historic gold in a time of 10:25.40.

Skarsetin, a pre-race favourite, crossed the line in 10:33.96 ahead of France’s Nathalie Benoit on 10:34.40, who took the bronze. Paris 2024 marked the end of an illustrious career for Benoit, who had announced her retirement ahead of the Paralympics.

Ukraine’s Anna Sheremet was in contention for a podium finish for most of the race but agonisingly fell away towards the end to finish fourth.

But behind the drama of the final was Skarstein’s remarkable journey to this podium.

They will give us chills: Birgit Skarstein

Birgit Skarstein: harnessing her inner strength to make it to the final

The Norwegian rower, a six-time world champion and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion, entered these Paralympic Games with the weight of expectation and a burning desire to defend her title. However, in the heats on Friday, 30 August, Skarstein found herself unexpectedly challenged.

Pushed to the limit by Ukraine’s Anna Sheremet, she finished second, an unfamiliar position.

This result forced her into the repechage, a second-chance race she hadn’t anticipated needing. The pressure was immense; for a champion like Skarstein, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. But as she has done so many times before, Skarstein rose to the occasion, securing her place in the final with a commanding performance that showcased her immense physical and mental strength.

“I’ve been afraid to die - and that gives you perspective,” she said. “It makes you aware of the strength within you, and I know I can handle extreme things.” This strength was on full display in Paris, as she fearlessly rowed her way to another Paralympic final.

By the time the final came around on 1 September, the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium was buzzing with anticipation. The world watched as Skarstein, now battle-hardened by her journey to the final, lined up against Israel’s Samuel, who had looked unbeatable throughout the preliminary heats.

From the start of the race, Samuel took control, pulling ahead with a powerful surge that left the rest of the field trailing stroke by stroke. The Norwegian, however, stayed within striking distance, biding her time for a final push. As the race neared its climax, she summoned every ounce of strength, closing in on Samuel with a surge that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

"I was thinking, 'Push, push, push.' In the middle there, it was such a tough headwind, so I was thinking, 'Drop the oar and hang, drop the oar and hang,'" Skarstein said. "The last 50 strokes were all about just pushing through, escalating the speed - just climbing up, like a sprint. I didn't actually see my competitors, I was just totally doing my own race."

Yet, despite her best efforts, the gap Samuel created was too great.

Skarstein crossed the line in 10:33.96, securing the silver medal - a result that, while falling short of her golden ambitions, was nonetheless a testament to her enduring class.

"This means the top of a mountain. It's been such a journey, this Paralympic cycle. This season's been totally crazy. I'm so grateful and proud to make it over the finish line and get the silver.

"This means so much to me," the two-time Paralympic medalist told reporters after the final.

A race, and podium to remember

While Skarstein’s silver medal was a hard-fought triumph, the race also marked the first Para rowing gold for Israel, claimed by Samuel.

“It means a lot of hard work, dedication, determination, and perseverance, not just of me, but of my wife, my children, and the whole country of Israel,” Samuel said, reflecting on her victory.

With a bronze from Rio 2016 and silver from Tokyo 2020, Samuel finally topped the podium, completing her Paralympic collection.

“I had the bronze in Rio, silver in Tokyo. I had these two [Skarstein and Benoit] to race over and over again, and lose over and over again to win this one race, which was the most important one,” the newly crowned Paralympic champion said.

Rounding out the podium was Benoit, whose bronze marked a storybook ending to an illustrious career. Racing in front of an adoring French crowd, Benoit was emotional after crossing the finish line.

“It was the best race of my career,” she said. “I was really determined, as it was my last race. I told myself that whatever happens, I should savour every moment and make the most of every stroke.”

Reflecting on the tight finish, she added, “When I crossed the line and realised I was third, it was an explosion of happiness.”