Tokyo 2020: Paralympic hopefuls react to the new dates

Para athletes take to social media with optimism following the latest announcement about next year's Paralympics 30 Mar 2020

a female Para swimmer smiling in the pool

Teresa Perales can start counting down towards a new Paralympic dream

ⒸGetty Images

By IPC

Para athletes across the world expressed their optimism on social media following the confirmation that the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will take place from 24 August - 5 September 2021.

The news comes almost a week after the announcement that Tokyo 2020 would be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the USA, three-time Paralympic swimming champion McKenzie Coan can look forward to a second Games appearance, while wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden has a realistic target to add to her collection of accolades.

August 24th -September 5th 2021. Save the date. We’ll be ready 💪🏻 https://t.co/7LNu88rq2L
— McKenzie Coan (@McKenzie_Coan) March 30, 2020

The dates are officially set ❤️🇯🇵 still continuing to chase that dream ❤️ 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/3EmjmzIV6w
— Tatyana McFadden (@TatyanaMcFadden) March 30, 2020

Over in Great Britain, Dan Greaves can target a sixth Paralympic Games, while Stef Reid can hope third times a charm to leap to an elusive gold medal.

We. Have. A. Date.

Time to reset the plan, but the 🎯 is still the same... 🥇🥈🥉#Backstronger

The #Tokyo2020 Paralympic Games.

📅 24th August – 5th September 2021 pic.twitter.com/Ts8ZdwFnhj
— Dan Greaves (@DiscusDan) March 30, 2020

New dates have been confirmed!!!! And this is how I feel about them 😁#Tokyo2021 #Tokyo2020 #paralympics pic.twitter.com/9ploYjFa8f
— Stef Reid MBE (@RunJumpStefReid) March 30, 2020

Brazil's most decorated Paralympian Daniel Dias tweeted: "Now we have a date! May the countdown begin!"

Agora já temos data! 🎉
Que a contagem regressiva recomece! ⏳#roadtotokyo #tokyo2021 #paralympics #paralimpíadas https://t.co/zDtY2pKPmE
— Daniel Dias (@DanielDias88) March 30, 2020

Spain's swimming legend Teresa Perales posted: "We already know the dates of the Paralympic Games for next year. 512 days ahead to prepare us to fulfill our dream. Let's dream together."

Ya sabemos fechas de los Juegos Paralímpicos para el año que viene. 512 días por delante para prepararnos para cumplir nuestro sueño. Let’s dream together #teamVisa @Visa_ES @SunriseMedical @fundacionTef @renault_esp @UCAM_Deportes pic.twitter.com/gNG8h9Evmv
— Teresa Perales (@teresa_perales) March 30, 2020

France's European champion long jumper Angelina Lanza shared: "Let's go for 512 days of preparation, training, tears and sweat."

ROAD TO TOKYO!
C'est partie pour 512 jours de préparation, entraînements, larmes et sueur 💪🛠️@FRAparalympique #athletessncf @MalakoffHhandi #lacoste #tokyo2020 #paraathletics https://t.co/VEKTD6YDU3
— Angélina Lanza (@Lanzaa_Angelina) March 30, 2020