Best of British gunning for gold

News

Jonathan Prynn and Imogen Lord

THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today wished Britain’s Paralympic team the best of luck ahead of the Tokyo Games, saying they can’t wait to see their “talent and skill”. A British team made up of 227 athletes across 19 of the 22 Paralympic sports is gearing up to compete in Japan. William and Kate’s social media accounts posted: “Wishing ParalympicsGB and all the athletes from around the world the best of luck in this year’s #Paralympics. We can’t wait to see the talent and skill displayed over the next two weeks.” In a video message to the squad ahead of today’s opening ceremony, Boris Johnson hailed the inspiring “heroes” of the Paralympic team. He said millions of children would think “I want to be an athlete too” after witnessing their performances. He added: “In the evening they will watch your exploits on the other side of the world and in the morning they’ll pick up a ball, wheel on the track, climb on to a bike and set off on a sporting journey all of their own. That is what being a hero is all about. It is an incredible thing that you do and I hope that you all have a fantastic Paralympic Games.” The Earl of Wessex, patron of ParalympicsGB, also issued a message of support. Edward said: “We want you to go out there and achieve your best, make us proud, and inspire the next generation of athletes with a disability. And whatever happens, I hope you have a brilliant experience in Japan.” ParalympicsGB posted a picture of its squad gathered in Tokyo on its Twitter account with a caption describing them as “an extraordinary team”. Individual competitors also put up images of themselves on social media. Paraswimmers Maisie Summers-Newton and Toni Shaw posted a photo of themselves jumping in front of the pool with the caption: “We made it”. Paralympic champions swimmer Ellie Simmonds and archer John Stubbs have been named flagbearers for Team GB at the opening ceremony. In total, 227 athletes from Britain and Northern Ireland will be competing, slightly down on the 265 in Brazil in 2016, when they brought home 147 medals including 64 golds. About 4,400 competitors from 162 delegations will be represented in Tokyo, including refugee athletes. Afghanistan’s flag will be on show at the opening ceremony as a “sign of solidarity” although the Taliban takeover means no athletes were able to make it to Japan. The event, with mascot Someity, inset, comes at a time of sharply rising Covid cases in Japan meaning that athletes will be even more restricted than the Olympic competitors were.