Latest news with #InternationalParalympicCommittee
Perth Now
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Aussie's ‘shattering' twist as Paris 2024 gold medal stripped
'Shattered' Australian Paralympic runner Jaryd Clifford has spoken out after his top rival was banned for doping and stripped of his Paris 2024 gold medal. It was revealed last month that Spain's Yassine Ouhdadi had tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol from a sample collected one month before last year's Paralympics. Only now has the International Paralympic Committee handed down its ruling, blaming the 'substantial delay' on 'an administrative error by a third party'. Ouhdadi will forfeit his 5000m T13 gold medal because the tainted sample was provided before the Paralympics. But Clifford, overtaken by Ouhdadi on the last lap, will not benefit having been disqualified from his bronze medal position soon after the race. He was scratched from the results because he released the tether linking him to guide Matt Clarke as they crossed the finish line, and later told he had no grounds to launch an appeal. 'I had a brain fade with a metre to go, dropping the tether that was probably the laziest moment of my career,' Clifford said at the time. 'I just wanted to run through that line, I wished the dive had been earlier but that's sport, man ... it's so tough, four years to go back to the drawing board.' Learning that Ouhdadi should never have been running in Paris has now devastated Clifford, who was also beaten to gold by the Spaniard at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 and the world championships in 2023. 'It's hard to find the words for this, but I'll try,' Clifford wrote on Tuesday. Clifford still accepts that he was ultimately responsible for his disqualification after dropping the tether. But Ouhdadi's presence in the race has been a tough pill to swallow in the wake of the positive doping test. 'Due to my disqualification I cannot be elevated to a new position,' the Australian said. 'I'm pretty shattered. My races against Yassine have changed my life. It's taken a lot of strength to move forward from these moments in my career, particularly that race in Paris last year. 'Without Yassine in that 5000m, it's hard not to think about how different that last lap might have played out. Everything leading into that race was about beating him and only when he went past us on that last lap did everything begin to unravel. 'To think that holding on for a silver that day would be a gold today feels like another kick in the guts.' After being passed by Ouhdadi, Clifford was also overhauled by Aleksandr Kostin — and the Russian neutral athlete has now been promoted to gold. Anton Kuliatin, another Russian neutral athlete, was promoted to bronze by Clifford's disqualification and has moved up again to silver. Clifford also missed out on a medal in the 1500m final. Credit: Ulrik Pedersen/Cal Sport Media Three days after the controversial 5000m final, Clifford suffered more heartache in the 1500m when he fell 0.01 seconds short of bronze. Kostin won that final, with Kuliatin edging out Clifford for bronze, while Ouhdadi's fifth-place finish will be wiped as a result of his doping ban. The Australian will now hope to enjoy a winning moment at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics — potentially over Ouhdadi, whose ban was backdated and will expire in September 2027. 'I'm determined to keep my focus on the future,' Clifford wrote. 'I had always reflected on those moments with sadness and frustration, but I learnt a lot from falling short too. 'No matter how much you revise the official results you can never change how a race made you feel. 'When I dream of winning a gold medal, I don't dream about the dot-point on the resume. I dream about the moment crossing the line knowing that all the hard work finally paid off. 'I can't control the past, but I can control the chance I give myself to fight for those moments in the future. 'I was able to pick myself up off the track in Paris last year because I knew I had an army there to dust me off and get me back on my feet. 'I feel so much love from so many places, but particularly the communities that have been there every step of the way. It means the world to have you all in my corner. 'I love nothing more than pulling on that green and gold singlet and giving it everything I've got. That will never change. Bring on the next four years!' Clifford broke his own 1500m T12 world record with a 3:40.39 run on Sunday, taking just shy of a second off his previous mark from 2021. He said it is 'such a relief' to have bounced back from injuries and setbacks in recent years. 'I haven't run a PB in the 1500m in over four years so hearing that time was very special,' Clifford said. He will now turn his attentions to the 2025 world championships in September, with Ouhdadi out of the picture.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Paralympic chief challenges Brisbane 2032 organizers to top the success of Sydney 2000
Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, comments in Brisbane, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, while meeting with organizers of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. (AP Photo/John Pye) BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — There was no better day to urge the people of Brisbane to do better than the benchmarks Sydney set for the Paralympics. International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons' visit to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic host city Wednesday coincided with the start of the annual rugby league grudge match that is the State of Origin series, whether planned or otherwise. Advertisement 'Without doubt, the year 2000 was a gamechanger and provided the foundations from which we could advance the Paralympic Games and wider Paralympic movement,' Parsons told a gathering at Brisbane riverside restaurant, hyping Sydney's overwhelming success in staging the Olympics and Paralympics almost 25 years ago. 'After the tremendous success of Barcelona 1992, and the troublesome experiences of Atlanta 1996, the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games got the Paralympic movement back on track with a sensational showcase of sport.' Challenge laid Sydney is the capital of New South Wales state. Brisbane, capital of Queensland state, has another seven years to prepare to improve on that Games legacy. Advertisement The sporting rivalry between the neighboring eastern Australian states is intense, with the three-match Origin series highlighting the Queensland desire to upstage big sister Sydney. Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Games in 2021 but it took more than 1,340 days before a new state government finalized the venue plans that center around new main stadium and aquatics venue built in a downtown parkland precinct. What Sydney did to raise the profile of athletes, ticket sales and broadcast audiences for the Paralympics, Brisbane organizers aim to do in terms of setting new benchmarks for accessibility in the design of venues, buildings and transport. 'You've got to get to a point as a global look at accessibility, in other words people with disabilities, as being standard in the design. As First Nations, and including their culture, as standard in what we do. Environment, and certification of buildings and treating the environment well, as standard," Andrew Liveris, president of the Brisbane 2032 organizing committee, said. 'We're not there (yet), but we can set that standard. We will be, as an Olympic and Paralympic Games, the standard bearer." Advertisement With the start of venue construction and the finalizing of the sports program not expected until late next year, Liveris said there's time to ensure the end results are accounted for in the planning. Paralympics ticket sales debuted at Sydney Sydney was the first Paralympics to sell tickets — 1.2 million were sold and Australia topped the medal standings. It launched a new era for the Games. There were 2.5 million tickets sold for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where 4,400 para athletes competed and 168 national Paralympic Committees sent teams. 'In terms of ticket sales, the Paralympic Games are now the world's third biggest sport event with only the Olympic Games and men's FIFA World Cup selling more,' Parsons said, adding that Paralympic-related internet searches 'broke the 1 billion barrier.' Advertisement 'The main driver for the increasing global appeal of the Paralympic Games is the constantly improving quality of sport, level and depth of competition, and the performances of Para athletes,' Parsons said. 'Progress in the last 25 years has been emphatic.' Parsons said from his past visits and his knowledge of planning already that Brisbane is 'starting from a position of strength definitely in terms of accessibility." 'But you can always improve," he added. 'We cannot be satisfied until we have 100% of everything accessible, and I'm absolutely sure that this is the objective here.' ___ AP Olympics at
The Age
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
No 2018 repeat: Paralympics will not share spotlight in Brisbane 2032
The International Paralympic Committee has no intention of following the Commonwealth Games' lead and combining with the Olympics, the head of the organisation insisted as he visited 2032 host city Brisbane on Wednesday. Para sports were held alongside able-bodied sports at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the previous major multi-sport event held in south-east Queensland, meaning spectators saw both competitions with a single ticket. It was lauded at the time, but IPC president Andrew Parsons said it was important the Paralympic Games remained a totally separate event to the Olympics. 'The Paralympic Games is the only event of global impact that puts persons with disabilities centre-stage,' he said. 'You think sport, in art and culture, in politics, economics, any type of event – the Paralympic Games is the only one. So we cannot change, we cannot lose that platform. 'We have to have that platform so we can advance the agenda of persons with disability.' Central to that agenda, Parsons said, was accessibility, and while Brisbane was already out of the blocks on that front, the 2032 host city still had some way to go – as did 'every city in the world'. 'We had the example of Tokyo, where 70 per cent of their transport system was accessible – even before the bid – and they went the extra mile,' he said.
Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
No 2018 repeat: Paralympics will not share spotlight in Brisbane 2032
The International Paralympic Committee has no intention of following the Commonwealth Games' lead and combining with the Olympics, the head of the organisation insisted as he visited 2032 host city Brisbane on Wednesday. Para sports were held alongside able-bodied sports at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the previous major multi-sport event held in south-east Queensland, meaning spectators saw both competitions with a single ticket. It was lauded at the time, but IPC president Andrew Parsons said it was important the Paralympic Games remained a totally separate event to the Olympics. 'The Paralympic Games is the only event of global impact that puts persons with disabilities centre-stage,' he said. 'You think sport, in art and culture, in politics, economics, any type of event – the Paralympic Games is the only one. So we cannot change, we cannot lose that platform. 'We have to have that platform so we can advance the agenda of persons with disability.' Central to that agenda, Parsons said, was accessibility, and while Brisbane was already out of the blocks on that front, the 2032 host city still had some way to go – as did 'every city in the world'. 'We had the example of Tokyo, where 70 per cent of their transport system was accessible – even before the bid – and they went the extra mile,' he said.
Sharjah 24
27-05-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah hosts conference on sports for people with disabilities
Broad participation and distinguished elite The conference saw the participation of a select group of international experts, decision-makers, researchers, and athletes, alongside representatives of national Paralympic committees from West Asia and across the globe. It aims to enhance the field of sports for people with disabilities by providing practical solutions to key challenges and elevating global performance standards. Opening remarks The event began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a speech from Dr. Abdul Razzaq Bani Rashid, President of the West Asian Paralympic Federation. He highlighted the significance of the conference as a vital scientific and practical platform to promote international cooperation for sustainable and innovative sports programs. Dr Bani Rashid also emphasised the strategic partnerships behind the conference, including collaborations with the International Paralympic Federation, Sharjah Sports Council, and three major universities: University of Sharjah (this year's host), Hashemite University in Jordan (previous host), and the University of Belgrade in Serbia, as part of an MoU signed with the Federation. Sharjah's support for sports and science Dr Tariq bin Khadem, Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee, praised the continuous support of the Emirate of Sharjah—under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah —for education, sports, and scientific research. He underscored Sharjah's position as a global hub in these areas, exemplified by hosting this major international event. University of Sharjah's academic commitment Professor Essam El-Din Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the university's commitment to applied scientific research, inclusive education, and the development of adapted sports. He emphasised equal opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities, as a cornerstone of academic excellence. He also highlighted the role of the university's Disability Resource Center, inaugurated in 2016 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The center is a dedicated space focused on integration, empowerment, and comprehensive support for students with disabilities. Professor Ajami concluded by expressing pride in the university's role in supporting the empowerment of individuals with disabilities and showcasing their outstanding abilities across various fields, especially in sports. Conference objectives and outcomes Dr Omar Hindawi, Chairman of the Conference Scientific Committee, noted that the conference seeks to drive positive change in the lives of people with disabilities by promoting sports as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and social inclusion. He added that the conference welcomes researchers from diverse countries to share the latest findings and practices in this evolving field. Honoring supporters The opening ceremony concluded with His Excellency Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi honoring strategic partners, supporters, and members of the conference's Board of Trustees and Scientific Committee, in recognition of their essential contributions to the success of this international initiative. Visual presentation and global interaction A short film was presented during the ceremony, showcasing key activities and milestones achieved by the West Asian Paralympic Federation in supporting adaptive sports. The film illustrated the depth of regional efforts to promote inclusive sports environments. Scientific sessions and workshops The conference continues with a series of scientific sessions and specialized workshops that explore the latest global developments in sports for people with disabilities. These discussions aim to fulfill the conference's overarching goal: building a strong 'Partnership for the Future.'
