Poppy Maskill just about broke the world record on the opening day of the Paralympics to hand ParalympicsGB their first gold medal.
The swimmer set a time of 1:03:00 in the women’s S14 100m butterfly final, beating the world record by a third of a second.
It also saw her win the race by seven-tenths of a second in an incredibly dramatic event.
She beamed with pride as she held her gold medal on the podium as ‘God Save The King’ rang out around Paris and the British flag held aloft.
Poppy Maskill has handed Team GB their first gold
PA
The 19-year-old looked shocked to be there, taking part in her first Paralympics Games.
There was further medal success for Great Britain as William Ellard took silver in the men’s S14 butterfly final.
Russian athlete Valeriia Shabalina, who is representing the Neutral Paralympic Athletic team in Paris, finished third (1:04.4) while Britain’s Olivia Newman-Baronius out of the medals in fourth (1:04.59).
“It’s unreal and it feels weird to be the team’s first gold medallist,” said Maskill.
“I just wanted to swim my hardest and see what happens. I’ve worked hard in training and listened to what everyone tells me to do.
“It gives me more confidence for my other events.”
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Poppy Maskill has handed Team GB their first gold
PA
Chan had been an old foe of Maskill’s, having finished second to her at the World Championships last year in Manchester.
But the Briton was the fastest in the heats on Thursday mornings before setting the pace in the final on a brilliant day for the teenager.
Maskill is back in action on September 6 where she will be aiming for gold again in the 100m backstroke.
Ellard, meanwhile, came close to gold but had to settle for silver after losing out to close pal Alexander Hillhouse of Denmark.
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Poppy Maskill broke the world record in the process
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“I didn’t think I would be happy with silver but I am,” said Ellard. “It gives me more confidence for my 200m freestyle, which is my main event.”
He was also praiseworthy of Maskill, who won gold as he was being interviewed.
“It’s big for the team and a huge personal best for Poppy as well,” he said.
“I know she wants to try to get the world record in the 100m backstroke later in the programme, but this is a big bonus for her.”
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