The Dunedin Paralympian was New Zealand’s flag bearer, alongside swimmer Cameron Leslie, at the opening ceremony yesterday.
After having no crowds in Tokyo, and small crowds in Rio in 2016, the turnout in Paris added an air of excitement for what the next 11 days could bring.
"That’s just really special," Grimaldi told the Otago Daily Times from Paris.
"It’s something we don’t get often and I’m really excited."
Grimaldi was in Europe for the Olympics and could feel the energy surrounding it. She hoped that would continue for the Paralympics.
"To feel it [yesterday], I feel like, yep, there’s going to be hype around it which is really exciting — especially for the growth of our sport."
Getting the New Zealand team together started to make everything feel real, but with Grimaldi still days away from competing, she was trying to maintain a level head.
"Not trying to get too pumped for the competition quite yet because I think I’ll burn out by next Sunday."
Grimaldi’s campaign starts on Tuesday (New Zealand time) with the 100m, followed by long jump on Friday and the 200m on September 7.
The next few days will include training, and she will head down to the track to watch her fellow athletes compete as well.
That includes her partner, Australian runner Jaryd Clifford, who competes in the T13 5000m on Saturday, which was "really exciting".
"I just try and limit doing too much stuff, but at the same time, I’m here to enjoy myself," Grimaldi said.
"I train every day anyway. We do normal every day activities usually . . . so I don’t want to change up too much.
"Sitting down and doing nothing would be hard to alter coming into competition — you still need some stimulus to really enjoy it."
Grimaldi is in good form heading into her events.
She won consecutive silver medals at the world para athletics championships in 2023 and earlier this year and consecutive bronze medals in the 100m.
Dunedin thrower Holly Robinson also gets her fourth Paralympics under way next week.
She competes in the women’s F46 shot put on Wednesday evening and javelin on Saturday morning.
