Fifty-three medals! Australia’s performance at the Paris Olympics was nothing short of spectacular. As the focus shifts to the Paralympics, the athletes in yellow and green are eager to replicate that success and bring home another impressive haul. However, things aren’t off to the smoothest start for the Aussie Paralympic team. Instead of sprinting out of the gates, two of their top athletes, including the renowned Kelly Ahmed, have already stumbled over the dreaded ‘disqualification’ hurdle.

Only three days into the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, the Australian team has hit some unexpected bumps in the road. According to the latest reports from Wide World of Sports, reigning world champion Kelly Ahmed was disqualified after competing in the heats of the men’s 150m individual medley SM3. Ahmed clocked in at 3:08.25, finishing second in his heat just behind fellow Aussie Grant Patterson. But just as the team was celebrating a promising start, the disqualification struck, leaving everyone wondering what went wrong for Ahmed. What caused this sudden setback for one of Australia’s brightest stars? The answers are still unfolding as the Games continue, leaving fans and fellow athletes eager for an explanation.

Well, the officials claimed that Kelly Ahmed progressed ahead in the incorrect stroking order and ended up performing butterfly during the freestyle leg of the race. However, the athlete himself was quite shocked by this curveball that had disrupted his plans. But, Swimming Australia did not hold back. They immediately filed an appeal, which was later upheld, and Kelly Ahmed was reinstated. With this go-ahead, Ahmed would now be featuring in the finals.

A fellow Aussie swimmer, Annabelle Williams clarified how Ahmed hadn’t broken any rule. Speaking to nine.com, she remarked, “The definition of freestyle is that you can perform whatever you want, as long as it’s not backstroke or breaststroke.” She further mentioned that Ahmed performing a double-arm butterfly doesn’t qualify for a rule violation. While there was a happy twist in Ahmed’s tale, a fellow Australian Paralympian dealt with a different hand.

Unlike Kelly Ahmed, Jaryd Clifford was struck with a huge loss

Kelly Ahmed still has a chance to vouch for a medal in the finals on Monday. But, Jaryd Clifford has missed that window. In the men’s T13 5000m finals, Clifford, the visually impaired Paralympic runner had technically crossed the finish line third, making him eligible for a bronze victory. However, one mistake cost him his medal.

At the time when Clifford and his guide Matt Clarke blazed past the finish, the two weren’t connected by the tether. This 20-inch band is mandatorily supposed to be held by the runner and the guide on both its ends, throughout the race. But when this rule was not adhered to, Clifford had to bear the brunt of the loss. In this case, Athletics Australia had hoped to protest too, but there did not seem a concrete basis for the same as this was a clear-cut rule violation.

The agonizing twist left the runner gutted. Taking to X, Jaryd Clifford posted, “I’m absolutely gutted that we made such a critical mistake today. Remaining tethered is a fundamental rule of guiding & I’m shattered that I lost my mind in those final metres. I’ve got so much more to give, I promise to bring everything for the 1500m on Tuesday.”

Watching the DQ stamp next to his name was extremely gut-wrenching for Clifford. He also confessed that he went to see his parents and his girlfriend post the race. And teared up on the side of the track. And now, Kelly Ahmed’s near miss comes as another blow to the Australian side. What do you think about their fate at the Games? Share your thoughts below!

Also, before you go, check out our exclusive episode of the EssentiallySports Think Tank. And hear Madisen Skinner’s coach sharing his thoughts about his star student.