Graham first Scot to win medal with successive Paralympic silver

Para-cyclist Fin Graham described winning silver behind ParalympicsGB team-mate Jaco Van Gass in the C3 3,000m individual pursuit as an “amazing achievement”.

Graham, who broke the world record in qualifying, only to see Van Gass reclaim that minutes later, set out fast but was quickly reeled in by the Paralympic gold medallist from Tokyo three years ago.

Despite the outcome being the same this time, Graham was thrilled to win a medal again and is the first Scot to reach the podium in Paris.

“That’s an amazing accolade,” he told BBC Sport Scotland.

“We’ve got such strong Scottish athletes across different events, so it’s nice to be able to be the first to pick up a medal. The first of many I’m sure.

“In the final, I gave it a good go trying to go out a bit harder but I just wasn’t quite able to have the legs to be able to bring it to the line.

“I’m really happy with silver medal. It’s a great way to start the Games.

Graham believes the friendly rivalry between himself and Van Gass inspires them to get better, reflected in both breaking the world record in the same meet.

“Since Tokyo, we’ve traded World Championships in this event,” he said. “No one else has taken it. We are the two strongest.

“The Paralympics is the biggest event and everyone wants to win it. You need to be on top of your game to be able to come away with the gold. But silver medals, nothing to be sniffed at. It’s an amazing achievement.”

Graham will compete in the C3 Road Race later in the compeition.

Also in the meet on Friday, Jenny Holl claimed a bronze after piloting Sophie Unwin in the women’s B 1000m time trial.