Tom Gallagher Wins First Gold for Australia at 2024 Paralympics

At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, swimmer Tom Gallagher secured Australia's first gold medal in the men's S10 50m freestyle, marking a remarkable comeback after a life-threatening bout of pancreatitis that nearly claimed his life prior to the Tokyo Games. Gallagher finished with a time of 23.40 seconds, edging out teammate Rowan Crothers, who won bronze. Gallagher expressed immense joy at finally being able to stand on the podium after missing out in Tokyo due to his medical issues. In track events, Madison de Rozario is set to compete in the T54 5000m final, having qualified as the second fastest after heats held in challenging rainy conditions. De Rozario aims to improve upon her fifth-place finish in Tokyo and has prepared by using hand powder for better grip on wet surfaces. Australia's swimming team has made a strong start, with four medals on day one, including silver for Lakeisha Patterson and bronze for Brenden Hall.