Track cyclist Caroline Groot from the Netherlands won the first gold medal of the Paralympic Games. She secured victory in the 500-meter time trial for the C4 and C5 classifications in women’s track cycling. This was the first medal event of the Games, which began with a spectacular ceremony on Wednesday.
Groot competed last, after seeing C4 world record holder Kadeena Cox of Britain crash during her attempt. Cox was not allowed to restart because her fall wasn’t caused by a mechanical error.
Groot won with a time of 35.390 seconds, setting a world record in the C5 classification. French cyclist Marie Patouillet (C5) took the silver, earning France its first medal of the Games, while Canada’s Kate O’Brien (C4) claimed the bronze.