Paris 2024 Paralympics: world records, François-Elie's disappointment, the first medals... We tell you all about the first evening of Para athletics

On the second day of the Paralympic Games, Para athletics made its debut. On the menu were the first finals in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres. World records were broken in the throwing and jumping events. And the French public, always ready to cheer, despite the rain.

Back to the dream

There was inevitably a little apprehension at the thought of returning to the Stade de France on Friday 30 August. The fervour of the Olympic Games has barely subsided, but the sweetness of the memories is still there. So will these Paralympic Games be just as exciting? Will the public still be with us? Will the general atmosphere put us on cloud nine again? The streets of Saint-Denis are full of questions. A whole stream of questions, brushed aside with a wave of the sleeve, by the now familiar details on the outskirts of the Dionysian venue. The track and all the purple stadium furniture, so unique at first. The ceremonial music, so simple, yet so haunting. Then the three strokes of the baton on the ground to start the session, the bell that the winners ring, the karaoke to the rhythm of Johnny Hallyday... The Games are back. And what a comeback!

Two world records

This first night session saw two world records fall. First, in the T11 long jump, when China's Di Dongdong soared to 6.85 metres. He was crowned Olympic champion ahead of his compatriot Shichang Chen and Spain's Joan Munar Martinez. Then came the F32 club throw, with Roza Kozakowska's feat. With a throw of 31.30 metres, the Pole smashed her own world record (28.77 metres), set two and a half months earlier, and her own Olympic record (28.74 metres), won in Tokyo.

The stadium then vibrated to the rhythm of Brazil in the 100 metres. Ricardo Gomes de Mendonca won the gold medal in the T37 category. A few minutes later, Petrucio Ferreira dos Santos did the same in the T47 category. It was an emotional one-two finish that has already catapulted Brazil into third place among the world's most successful nations after two days of racing.

Mandy François-Elie disappointed

Two races, like warm-ups for the French public. The only French representative this evening, Mandy François-Elie received a standing ovation as she entered the track. A square full of French flags awaited her, just in front of the starting blocks. The woman who won gold in London, silver in Rio and bronze in Tokyo took off in the 200 metres, T37. Despite the cheers from the crowd, which had suddenly become particularly chauvinistic, the Martiniquaise did not run the race she had hoped for. She finished fifth, taking advantage of Taylor Swanson's fall. Despite the disappointment, she will be looking to bounce back with the 100 metres and the long jump on Sunday.

Fortunately, it took more than that to turn off the Stade de France, which was still noisy despite the rain and chilly weather for August. Faced with Adeline Mushiranzigo's difficult race in the 400m T47, the crowd rallied behind the Burundi representative, who finished in 1'19, more than 13 seconds after the second last runner. Chauvinistic, but generous. All of which augurs well for the next ten days, and answers a lot of questions that are now forgotten.