Scottish athletes on Paralympics GB have made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games by winning a brilliant 21 medals.
The fantastic total includes two gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals. The outstanding performance surpasses the number of medals won at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and is the highest number won by Scottish athletes since Sydney in 2000.
The success of the Scottish Paralympians follows on from the performance of the Scots on Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where 14 medals were won – the highest ever at an away Games.
Swimmer Toni Shaw started the medal rush at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, winning silver in the S9 400m Freestyle event. Some incredible performances followed in athletics, cycling, powerlifting and tennis with the full list of medal winners as follows:
- Athletics: Maria Lyle (Bronze – T35 100m, Bronze – T35 200m); Sammi Kinghorn (Bronze – T53 100m, Silver – T53 400m); Owen Miller (Gold – T20 1500m); Libby Clegg (Bronze – 4x100m Universal Relay)
- Cycling: Aileen McGlynn (Silver – B 1000m Time Trial); Fin Graham (Silver C3 3000m Individual Pursuit, Silver C1-3 Road Race); Neil Fachie (Gold – B 1000m Time Trial); Jenny Holl (Bronze – B 3000m Individual Pursuit, Silver – B Road Race); Lewis Stewart (Silver – B 100m Time Trial)
- Swimming: Toni Shaw (Bronze – S9 400m Freestyle); Stephen Clegg (Bronze – S12 100m Backstroke, S12 100m Freestyle, Silver – S12 100m Butterfly); Scott Quin (Bronze – SB14 100m Breaststroke)
- Powerlifting: Micky Yule (Bronze – 72kg)
- Tennis: Gordon Reid (Silver – Men’s Doubles, Bronze – Men’s Singles)
Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport said: “It has been incredible to see the performances of Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
"They have managed to achieve more medals than they did in Rio and this is truly remarkable when training has been interrupted due to the Pandemic. I am of course extremely proud of the Scottish athletes who have also brought back a staggering amount of medals.
“Despite the time difference, I am sure many people in Scotland will have stayed up to watch on the TV or follow on social media. Family and friends are hopefully getting their sleeping pattern back to normal and are looking forward to welcoming home their loved ones.
“I also wish to acknowledge the coaches, medics, physios and others who have worked tirelessly to ensure the team were able to perform at such a high level. I hope the performance of the Team will inspire others to try participating in sport and maybe dream of taking part in future Games.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “The performances of the Scots on Paralympics GB have been nothing short of sensational. To bring home 21 medals is a fantastic achievement and each and every one of our Paralympians should be proud of their contribution.
“However, this success did not happen overnight. It is down to years of hard work and commitment from the athletes, their coaches and their wider support teams including Scottish Disability Sport, Scottish Governing Bodies of sport and the sportscotland institute of sport.
“It also wouldn’t have been possible with the continued support of the National Lottery and in particular National Lottery players, who help raise £36million each week to help good causes.”
