October 2024, Articles

Para athletics Paris success unpacked

A successful programme over a number of years is being credited with the success of the Kiwi Para athletics team in Paris. One gold, three silver and two bronze medals from the six strong Para athletics team made it New Zealand’s most successful Para sport at the Paralympic Games.

National Para Lead for Athletics NZ, Raylene Bates, who was also the New Zealand Paralympic Team Chef de Mission in Paris, says the team’s success was a direct result of a programme which has developed a strong group of seasoned competitors through a focus on decentralisation, upskilling coaches to understand the classification system and the differences between coaching Para athletes and able-bodied athletes and ensuring they work with the right athletes.

“A key factor in the Para athletics team’s success was the experience of our athletes,” says Raylene.  “We had four current Paralympic medallists and world champions in our group.  They know what it’s like and, more importantly, understand the difference between say world championships and Paralympic Games.

“Living in the Paralympic Village is quite a different experience to staying in, say, hotel accommodation for a world championships.

“They know they will need to share facilities and services, that they will have to be flexible, resilient and adaptable, for example, training schedule changes which may come out of the blue.

“Firstly understanding these differences and secondly having a previous lived experience means their chances of success are increased.”

Raylene believes that by 2028 there will be a bigger group of seasoned Para athletics track and field athletes, led by the current group and the strong pathway Para athletes coming through.

“We will use the 2025 and 2027 world championships to add to their experience so that come 2028, they know what to expect and how to replicate those performances.  It’s been a successful approach for Athletics NZ’s Para athletics programme and we are excited at how we can build for future success.”

Athletics NZ national Para Lead Raylene Bates with Paris shot put bronze medallist, Holly Robinson
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