Watch: Aussies break records in Paris, New York flood breaks walls
Source: TND
Australia’s Paralympic heroes broke barriers and world records in Paris, while elsewhere footage showed floodwaters breaking down the walls of a New York library.
In New Zealand the second-ever Māori queen was crowned, and in Australia revellers partied hard at Bunnings.
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Swimmer smashes record twice in a day
After leading Australia’s 100-metre relay team to gold this week, Paralympic debutante Alexa Leary claimed gold in the 100-metre freestyle S9 – and broke a world record twice in the process.
In the morning heat, Leary set a world record time of 59.60, then beat that with 59.53 in the medal event later that day.
The achievement was all the more incredible given Leary suffered brain damage and other serious injuries from a near-fatal bike accident in 2021.
Just a few years later, she has cemented herself as one of Australia’s top Paralympic stars.
Aussie jumps into the record books
T61 long jumper Vanessa Low started off her third successful bid for Paralympic gold with a world-record jump of 5.45 metres.
The closest anyone got to her result was silver-medallist Martina Carboni (Italy) with 5.06 metres.
Despite her successful performance in her first Paralympics since giving birth in 2022, Low is still looking to improve; she said she would next be gunning to hit 6 metres.
Love is in the air
Paralympians have been using one of the biggest events in their lives in one of the most romantic cities in the world to show off their love.
Paralympics spotlights inclusivity
Instead of relying completely on audio commentary and the cheers and boos of a crowd, an innovative interactive tablet allows visually-impaired fans to keep up with sports like goalball.
@lucyedwards I am still so emotional I was able to do this… I have never had an experience this inclusive with a live event. I came out of the arena and cried like a baby. Vision Pad you are amazing. [PR Event with @Channel 4 @paralympics ] #Paralympics #ParalympicsC4 #AccessibleSport #Sport #Goalball ♬ original sound – British blind girl 👁🦮👩🦯
Melbourne weather lives up to reputation
The city is known for seeing “four seasons in a day”, flipping from rain to spotless sunshine within minutes.
@jessandapassport i love living in melbourne i love living in melbourne i love living in melbourne #melboune #melbourneweather ♬ original sound – trevor_hacker
Māori queen crowned
Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō Paki has been appointed the second-ever queen of the Kiingitanga movement in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
The ceremony capped off a week of mourning for the previous Maori king and Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō Paki’s father, Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.
As the role of Maori monarch is not hereditary, a group of elders from various tribes selected Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō Paki as queen.
Flood trashes New York library
CCTV footage has been released showing the moment New York’s Smithtown Library was engulfed with floodwaters after a heavy storm last month.
The flooding destroyed thousands of books, computers, and historical documents such as papers signed by third US President Thomas Jefferson.
Although federal assistance for rebuilding may be provided, a full restoration could take years.
CCTV footage shows a library in Long Island, New York becoming engulfed with flood waters following a heavy storm last month. The Smithtown Library held historical documents, including papers signed by Thomas Jefferson | https://t.co/jaXodeYAX1 pic.twitter.com/zePRi8Fx6g
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) September 5, 2024
Most Aussie rave ever
After months of online campaigning, a Melbourne Bunnings finally hosted a rave, featuring performances from Peking Duk, What So Not and NayNay.
One thousand tickets to the event were sold in just four minutes, with all proceeds reportedly going to Support Act, a crisis relief service for people across the music industry.
@jacojac #bunningswarehouse #bunningsrave ♬ original sound – Jack Jacobs
Bottle time for shark
An American aquarium has shown how whale sharks can be bottle-fed underwater.
Echidna’s bubble bath
Even Australia’s spikiest residents need pampering sometimes; due to some skin issues, Amber the echidna was treated to a medicated bubble bath at Perth Zoo’s vet hospital.
@perthzoo Splish splash, it’s an Echidna bubble bath! 🧼 Amber the Echidna recently checked into our Vet Hospital for a medicated bubble bath to help soothe some skin issues. With a round of antibiotics, a second bath on the cards and lots of TLC, Amber will be a picture of health in no time!✅ #perthzoo #perth #foryou #fyp #trending #echidna ♬ bounce (i just wanna dance) – фрози & joyful
Teen’s death was preventable, inquest hears
