KAYLA HODGE
Anna Grimaldi
Our golden girl. It is so hard not to feel emotional knowing a small part of the journey Grimaldi has been on over the past few years to get to Paris. Her resilience is admirable, and the way she turned the heartbreak of fourth in the long jump into fuel for gold in the 200m final was remarkable. She makes you ride every emotion with her. When that beaming smile lit up our screens after the 200m, you could not help but be proud of what a girl from Dunedin had achieved.
Holly Robinson
A swansong for the javelin and a bronze medal in the shot put. It was a big campaign for Robinson, and seeing her win a medal in her first shot put at the Paralympics was bliss. She overcame injuries to get to Paris. That sixth placing in the javelin might not be what she desired for her goodbye, but you have to acknowledge what a wonderful ambassador Robinson has been. She has had a fabulous career in a gruelling field event, and could have many more successful years with the shot put.
Overall joy
A little perspective goes a long way and I do not think there is anywhere better to find that than the Paralympics. Watching vision-impaired athletes run on the track is no mean feat, but seeing them do it with guides, with whom they have to be in a perfect cadence, is bewildering. Athletes with limb deficiencies finding new ways to swim, row, paddle, lift weights and everything else always inspire. And the way Paris really came out to give Paralympians the crowds they deserve. Seeing the heartwarming moments that sport can give to people never fails to leave you with a smile.
HAYDEN MEIKLE
Danielle Aitchison
We were all in awe of Anna Grimaldi, obviously. But Aitchison also deserved plenty of praise. The delightful youngster with cerebral palsy dashed to double silver on the track. Here comes gold in Los Angeles.
Lukasz Mamczarz finished seventh in men’s T63 high jump. Nothing remarkable? Think again. Lots of Paralympians make you watch and admire them, but this bloke flat-out demands your attention. The 36-year-old, who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident, uses crutches to get to his spot. He discards one crutch and leans on the other, and starts clapping to get the crowd behind him. Then he drops the other crutch. Balancing on one leg, he hops forward seven steps, then jumps over the bar. No blades, no prosthetics, all heart.
Unexpected delight
Just like the Olympics, one of the great things about the Paralympics is turning on a channel and watching some random event. In my case, it was "goalball". What an unexpectedly absorbing delight. Two teams of three guard long, low goals and take turns bounce-throwing a rattling ball at each other. Why does it rattle? Because everyone is blind.
• Thanks to the observant readers who noticed our roll of honour for the Kiwi Paralympians had one glaring mistake yesterday. It was, of course, the 200m and not the long jump in which Dunedin star Anna Grimaldi won her gold medal.
