Two defending champions set for Olympic Stadium action

Two defending champions are in action at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday (10 September).

America’s Ray Martin faces plenty of challengers in the men’s 100m T52, while Great Britain’s Hannah Cockroft is the clear favourite to defend her women’s 100m T34 crown.

But the day’s biggest cheer could come at the Carioca Arena 3, where Brazil’s four-time Paralympic champion Antonio Tenorio takes to the tatami.

The 45-year-old won four consecutive Paralympic gold medals before taking bronze at London 2012.

Now the Brazilian is hoping for a return to the top of the podium on home soil at what will be his last Paralympic Games.

In wheelchair tennis, the women’s singles competition gets underway with the top three seeds showcasing their talents.

Great Britain’s Jordanne Whiley, world No. 1 Jiske Griffioen, and multi-Grand-Slam champion Yui Kamiji are all in action on Centre Court.

In the quad singles, world No. 1 Dylan Alcott and American David Wagner are both in action, while Sweden’s meeting with America in the men’s doubles look set to be a tense affair.

Elsehwere, multi-Paralympic and world champion Amalia Perez will go for her third successive powerlifting gold medal at the Paralympic Games.

The Mexican champion has taken on a new weight class by moving to the up to 55kg event, where she is currently ranked No. 1 in the world.

At the Olympic Shooting Centre, all eyes will be on New Zealand’s Michael Johnson in the R4 (mixed 10m air rifle standing SH2) event. He is the world No. 1 and holds the finals world record (212.6), which he set in April last year at the Szczecin World Cup.

And history will be made when triathlon makes its debut at the Paralympic Games.

Germany’s Martin Schulz and Canada’s Stefan Daniel are among the favourites in the men’s PT4 competition.