Gold Coast 2018: Top 5 moments

Para athletes from all Commonwealth nations delivered some truly outstanding performances at Gold Coast 2018, which concluded on 15 April. Here are five of the most memorable moments.

1. Sophie Thornhill is simply the best

England’s Rio 2016 gold medallist set two world records on her way to double gold on Australian soil with pilot Helen Scott. Thornhill first won the women’s sprint B&VI, even posting a world record of 10.609 in the qualification. Two days after, she produced a stunning time of 1:04.623 to win the women’s 1000m time trial B&VI.

2. Melissa Tapper delights home crowd

The Rio 2016 Olympian and Paralympian emerged triumphant in front of her home fans as she defeated Nigeria’s Faith Obazuaye 3-1 (7-11, 11-2, 11-6, 11-3) in the women’s singles TT6-10 final to capture her first Commonwealth Games title.

3. Sophie Pascoe does it again

New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympian maintained her 100 per cent record at Commonwealth Games by winning the women’s 200m individual medley SM10 and the 100m breaststroke SB9, to defend both titles from Glasgow 2014.

4. Hollie Arnold breaks world record

The 23-year-old set a new world record of 44.43m in the women’s javelin throw F46. The Welsh athlete has dominated the event in recent years, taking gold at both Rio 2016 and the 2017 World Championships as well.

5. Nigeria has the power

All four powerlifting events were won by Nigerians, confirming their status as the strongest nation in the world. Esther Oyema and Ndidi Nwosu took gold in the women’s lightweight and heavyweight categories, while Roland Ezuruike and Addulazeez Ibrahim topped the podium in the men’s equivalent events.