Alice Tai caps off unbelievable night in pool as part of Great British gold rush
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A lot of people know that it has not been the easiest few years so to come here and swim a time that I’m really happy just means so much and for that to get me my first individual gold at the Paralympics is super special.” Tai detailed how her amputation has led to two years of work on her stroke and she trialled a new backstroke start only five days ago. open image in gallery Stephen Clegg started the gold rush in the pool by winning the men’s S12 100m backstroke Stephen Clegg got the party started with gold and a world record in the men’s S12 100m backstroke to win his first Paralympic gold and get the monkey off his back that had haunted him since he won silver and two bronzes at Tokyo 2020. Breaking world records is an incredible thing and now I’ve got two.” open image in gallery William Ellard broke the world record in the men’s S14 200m freestyle to claim gold for Great Britain His roommate William Ellard followed suit only 14 minutes later, winning gold also in a world record time in the men’s S14 200m freestyle for his second medal of the Games. The last thing she ever said to me on WhatsApp was ‘see you in Paris, 2024’.” Before Tai took to the pool, Poppy Maskill and Louise Fiddes finished second and third in the women’s S14 200m freestyle with Maskill winning her second medal of her debut Games.