PARIS, France (Aug. 31, 2024) - There was thrill, ecstacy and a few heartbreaks.
The final day of the Para Taekwondo competition at Paris 2024 Paralympics raised the expectations - exciting fights under way with the very best leading the show at the Grand Palais on Saturday evening.
While several nations won their first medals, Great Britain led the evening proceedings winning two out of the three gold medals at stake. This was also Great Britain first ever Paralympic gold medals in the sport.
After Saturday’s double success, Great Britain topped the medals table with two gold medals.
Uzbekistan achieved their first success in men's event besides a silver in women's event. Morocco became the first African nation to win a medal in women's Para Taekwondo event.
There were some others like Senegal Idrissa Keita who lost the bronze medal match in Men K44 +80kg but stole the heart of the cheering crowd at the iconic Grand Palais.
Among the ones who graced the final day's action were Her Majesty Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, Queen of Spain; Mr Duane Kale, Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee among others.
Asadbek TOSHTEMIROV (UZB) vs Luis Mario NAJERA (MEX) - Men K44 -80kg
Mexican Najera looked confident to take the lone gold for Mexico at this Games but had to settle for the silver. The reigning world para champion Toshtemirov was ready for everything - his strong technique and footwork helped him put up a dominating show in the Men K44 -80kg final. He eventually won 38-17.
This was Uzbekistan's first Paralympic gold in men's Para Taekwondo and the tears indicated the hard work and emotion attached to the medal.
The bronze medal were claimed by Alireza Bakht (IRI) and Jeonghun Joo (KOR). This was second consecutive Paralympic bronze by the Korean.
Guljonoy NAIMOVA (UZB) vs Amy TRUESDALE (GBR) - Women K44 +65kg
In one of the most awaited finals of the evening, Truesdale won her first Paralympic gold medal surprising the defending para champion Naimova 8-2.
The British Para Taekwondoin, who is also a bronze medallist at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, was dominant right from the start of the match - gaining points through her quick footwork and speed before the match took a dramatic turn.
"Today was probably one of the most challenging days of my life. This definitely hasn't sunk in yet, but it's been amazing. I've been mentally and physically on it. (I) executed the best version of Amy. And I had so much support here, too. I'm just eternally grateful.
"I'm Paralympic champion. I've made history," said Truesdale who celebrated her gold with a somersault on the mat.
Eleni Papastamatopoulou (GRE) and Rajae Akermach (MAR) claimed the bronze in the category.
Matt BUSH (GBR) vs Aliaskhab RAMAZANOV (NPA) - Men K44 +80kg
Bush waited for this moment for a long time and when the opportunity arrived, he was ready to seize it. Bush had missed two Paralympic Games owing to injuries - Rio 2016 as a Para athlete and then Tokyo 2020 as Para Taekwondoin.
The reigning world para champion, who overcame a strong challenge from Iranian Hamed Haghshenas in the semi-finals, defeated Neutral Para Athlete Aliaskhab Ramazanov in the Men's K44 +80kg final.
"I've been through a lot of injuries, a lot of bad times, but I just stuck it out. It worked. I got there in the end," the 35-year-old said.
"The stuff that I've learned from missing two Games, the things (injuries) happening and going through all that ... it's been invaluable, as well. The good things improve you, but the bad things do as well. There's been moments where I've doubted (myself), but I'm here with the gold now. It's very special."
Haghshenas and USA's Evan Medell claimed the bronze. This was Medell's second Paralympic bronze after his Tokyo 2020 success.
Overall the three-day-event Para Taekwondo competitions during Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were a big hit in its first campaign in front of audience at a venue - which matched the incredible show of the players with the grandeur and beauty of the historical Grand Palais.
