At once one of the most improbable and cruel images of these Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Currently fifth in the medal standings, Italy is doing well with a current total of 70 medals, including 24 gold. Martina Caironi contributed to this fine harvest with a first place in the 100 meters T63 with a time of 14″16.
The performance is certainly very good for the parathlete, but it is very frustrating for the Italian camp. Because Monica Contrafatto and Ambra Sabatini were competing in the same discipline. Italy therefore had the opportunity to snatch a nice hat-trick, and this wish was just a few strides away from coming true. A few meters from the finish line, Ambra Sabatini overtook the Indonesian Karisma Evi Tiarani, but fell inexplicably.
And the Italian drama continues as this trips Monica Contrafatto who seemed to be able to get the better of the Indonesian. Sad image, the runners cross the finish line while Sabatini remains on the ground with his hands on his face.
“I’m still in shock”
At the microphone of Rai Sport, it was a shocked Ambra Sabatini who appeared, without being able to really explain this fall, only mentioning a problem with her prosthesis before the start: “I am still in shock, I did not really understand what happened, I was almost touching the finish line (…) Before the start, I had a problem. Air was coming out of the valve of the prosthesis, and we repaired it with silicone.”
Holder of the world record in the 100m T63 since July 2023 in Paris, the Italian wanted to apologize to her compatriot whom she dragged into her fall, also depriving her of a medal: “I am very happy for Martina, but I am sorry for Monica for having injured her.”
Determined to do better, the vengeful para-athlete has made a date with her fans in Los Angeles in 2028 during the next Games: “We wanted to end this evening in style, it’s bitter now, but I know that I will have other opportunities and I will get back on track with a view to Los Angeles.”
- RMC Sport
