Paralympic Games: Caroline Groot Makes History with World Record Win

PARIS, France — Track cyclist Caroline Groot of the Netherlands made history at the Paralympic Games on Thursday by winning the first gold medal of the event.

Groot achieved this feat by emerging victorious in the final of the C4 and C5 classifications in the 500-meter time trial in women’s track cycling. This event marked the start of the Games, following a spectacular opening ceremony on Wednesday.

In a tense final, Groot had to wait until the very end to make her run after watching C4 world record holder Kadeena Cox crash on her attempt. Despite the setback faced by the British cyclist, Groot remained focused and delivered an exceptional performance.

With a time of 35.390 seconds, Groot set a new world record in the C5 classification. French cyclist Marie Patouillet (C5) secured the silver medal, while Canada’s Kate O’Brien (C4) clinched the bronze.

The C1 to C5 classifications are designed for para cyclists with physical impairments affecting their legs, arms, and/or trunk, leading to functional limitations. These athletes are able to compete using standard bicycles, with C4 reserved for those with lower limb impairments and C5 for individuals with less severe impairments.