Month in review: January 2016

Catch up on what happened in the first month of the Paralympic year. 01 Feb 2016

ⒸSki Handisport, Jesus Renedo/Sailing Energy/World Sailing, Rio 2016/Alex Ferro, IPC, Getty Images

By IPC

Australian Open

Wheelchair tennis started the New Year with a shakeup in the men’s singles side. Great Britain’s Gordon Reid upset current world No. 1 Shingo Kunieda of Japan in the early rounds, and went on to defeat Belgian Joachim Gerard for the title on 30 January.

Australian Dylan Alcott beat rival David Wagner of the USA to defend his quad wheelchair singles title. Jiske Griffioen successfully defended her women’s wheelchair singles title as the Dutchwoman defeated compatriot Aniek Van Koot.

IPC Alpine Skiing World Cups

The sport kicked off with four World Cup events packed in January, and saw France’s Marie Bochet get off to a rocket start as she escaped the month unbeaten in the women’s standing. The Paralympic and world champion won all her races in Tignes, France; St. Moritz, Switerland; Kranjska Gora, Slovenia; and Tarvisio, Italy.

Sailing World Cup Miami

The second World Cup of the 2015-16 season concluded on 30 January in the USA, featuring two Paralympic classes. Great Britain’s defending London 2012 champion Helena Lucas took gold in the 2.4mR, while the Canadian sonar team led by Paul Tingley snatched gold in their fleet.

IPC Shooting World Cup

The season opened in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), as 100 shooters from 27 countries faced off against some of the world’s best pistol shooters .

Abdulla Sultan Alaryani put on a show for his home country, as he won three gold medals: the R7 (men’s 50m rifle three positions SH1), R1 (men’s 10m air rifle standing SH1) and the team event R3 (10m air rifle prone mixed SH1) with compatriots Abdulla Saif Alaryanii and Obaid Aldahmani.

IPC Powerlifting World Cup (Rio 2016 Test Event)

The World Cup in Rio de Janeiro allowed powerlifters to improve their rankings and also served as a Test Event for the upcoming Paralympic Games. Host Brazil showcased their strength, securing five podium finishes on the final day to top the medals table.

Sadly, Brazil’s own Joseano Felipe passed away a few days after the competition concluded. At the event, Felipe secured the gold medal in the men’s up to 107kg with a 206kg lift.