Dutch track cyclist Caroline Groot secures first gold medal of Paralympic Games

Track cyclist Caroline Groot from the Netherlands clinched the first gold medal of the Paralympic Games during the women’s track cycling 500-meter time trial in the C4 and C5 classifications. The event marked the inaugural medal competition following the Games’ opening ceremonies the day before.
Groot set a new world record in the C5 category with a time of 35.390 seconds. The Dutch cyclist’s victory came after witnessing C4 world record holder Kadeena Cox of Britain crash during her attempt. Cox was unable to restart as her fall was not due to a mechanical issue.
French cyclist Marie Patouillet (C5) secured the silver medal, while Canada’s Kate O’Brien (C4) claimed the bronze in the event. The C1 to C5 para cycling classifications cater to athletes with physical impairments impacting their legs, arms, or trunk, thus affecting their functionality while being able to use a standard bicycle.
Notably, the C4 classification is designated for cyclists with lower limb impairments such as cerebral palsy, amputations, or other related conditions, affecting lower limb functionality. On the other hand, the C5 class is for cyclists facing less severe impairments in comparison.