El Idrissi Shatters Women's Marathon World Record at Paralympics

Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi of Morocco set a new world record in the women's marathon for visually impaired runners on the final day of the Paralympic Games. El Idrissi completed the race in 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 36 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by Japan's Misato Michishita by nearly six minutes. "I wasn't running for a time, only for a medal," said the 29-year-old Moroccan.

Wheelchair Racing Highlights

Swiss wheelchair racers Catherine Debrunner and Marcel Hug triumphed in the women's and men's marathons for the T53/54 categories. American Tatyana McFadden, the most decorated wheelchair racer from the US, finished seventh in the women's race, trailing Debrunner by just over 12 minutes. The 35-year-old McFadden leaves Paris with a silver medal from the 100m and a bronze from the 4x100m universal relay.

British wheelchair racer David Weir announced his retirement from Paralympic competition at age 45 after finishing fifth in the men's race. Weir has won six Paralympic golds, including four at the London Games in 2012, where he also won the marathon. Despite not medalling in three subsequent Games, Weir plans to continue competing in individual races like the Berlin Marathon on September 29.

Powerlifting Record Broken

Nigeria's Folashade Oluwafemiayo broke her own world record in women's para powerlifting by bench-pressing 167 kilograms to win gold in the over-86kg category. The 39-year-old surpassed her previous best of 166 kilograms set in June in Tbilisi by one kilogram. Iran's Ahmad Aminzadeh won gold in the men's over-107kg category with a lift of 263 kilograms.

In another event, Tunisia's Wajdi Boukhili won the men's T12 marathon with a time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 5 seconds. Meanwhile, compatriot Meryem En-Nourhi finished just over nine minutes behind El Idrissi, followed by Michishita, who was almost 15 minutes behind the winner. Spanish runner Elena Congost initially thought she had won bronze but was later disqualified for releasing her guide tether before finishing.

Tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei

After the marathons, spectators honoured Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who died Thursday after being set on fire by her partner. Cheptegei had run the marathon at last month's Paris Olympics. An image of her celebrating was displayed on a large screen near the finish line as spectators observed a minute's applause in her memory. The announcer referred to Cheptegei as a "victim of femicide." Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo stated that the city plans to name a sports venue after Cheptegei.

Dutch Women Win Wheelchair Basketball Gold

The Netherlands women's team retained their gold medal in wheelchair basketball with a 63-49 victory over the United States in the final. Bo Kramer scored 23 points and Mariska Beijer added 22 as they led their team to victory at Bercy Arena. Despite trailing 48-37 going into the fourth quarter, American players rallied under coach Christina Schwab's guidance but couldn't overcome the Dutch lead.

"For us as a team, I don't really feel like we peaked," said Rose Hollermann, who scored 17 points for the US. "I think we have a lot left in our tank." Hollermann expressed optimism about their future performance: "There's a lot more left for us... we can take that and get back to work." Canada lost to China 65-43 earlier in the bronze-medal match. "I'd like to go back two hours. I'd like to restart that game," said Canada coach Michele Sung.

China Dominates Medal Table

China dominated the Paralympics medal table with nearly twice as many gold medals as any other country—94 compared to Britain's 49. China finished with a total of 220 medals: 94 gold, 76 silver, and 50 bronze. Britain followed with 124 medals: 44 silver and 31 bronze. The US came third with 105 medals: 36 gold, 42 silver, and 27 bronze.

Brazilian athletes secured 89 medals overall but were outshone by Dutch athletes who won more gold—27 compared to Brazil's 25. Host nation France finished eighth with a total of 75 medals, including 19 golds. The closing ceremony was scheduled for later Sunday at Stade de France, with artistic director Thomas Jolly promising an extensive dance party.

The Paralympic Games concluded with memorable performances and records set across various events. Athletes showcased resilience and determination throughout the competition.