In a photo-worthy finish, teen Paralympian Ezra Frech went for gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games.
On Monday, Sept. 2, the 19-year-old earned his first gold medal with a win in the 100-meter T63 final in a personal best of 12.06 seconds. Frech had to lean in the final moments to secure the win, which was determined a few seconds after the race with a photo at the line.
In a post-race interview with NBC Sports, Frech explained how he came from behind to earn gold after a slower start off the blocks.
“The whole time I was telling myself to, ‘stay relaxed, stay relaxed, stay relaxed.’ Big moments everybody tenses up, if I stay relaxed I can do something special and thank God I did. Oh my God!”
After securing his win, Frech spoke about how he feels about the current “movement” of the Paralympics.
“This is a very special opportunity for Paralympic sports as a whole,” Frech said per the outlet. “I think what these Games are doing for the movement is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The energy, the atmosphere remind me of London 2012 a lot.”
Frech, who will compete in the men’s high jump T63 final today, said he’s excited for the hometown Olympics in L.A. in 2028, but first plans to add to his gold medal count. “I look forward to riding this momentum into L.A., but as of right now I’m happy with the gold, but I’m definitely not satisfied. I’m still hungry and tomorrow night I’ll get the gold in the high jump,” he said.
Speaking with USA Today in a joint interview with his father, Frech explained how he is committed to using his large platform to advocate for athletes with disabilities.
“I try to use my platform to be an example for people with disabilities,” he said. “I want to not only normalize disability but show what is possible with disabilities. I want them all to know that sport is possible for them.”
Frech, who said he’s aiming for “back-to-back golds,” will compete in his signature event, the men’s high jump, at 2:20 pm ET on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
