It was autographs all around at Auckland’s Maungawhau School, with some of our Paralympians back on home turf.
Many of them arrived back in the country yesterday following their Paris campaign.
“It’s just amazing what they can do,” a student told 1News.
“It was so cool to know that just because they have a disability, it doesn’t mean that it stops them from doing, like, their dreams,” said another.
“I’ve been getting some really, really beautiful messages on my phone”, said para cyclist Nicole Murray, who claimed bronze in the Women’s C5 3000m Individual Pursuit.
“Every now and then I just have a little moment where I tear up. It’s been beautiful.”
A small contingent also arrived in Dunedin last night, including four-time paralympian Holly Robinson and Chef de Mission Raylene Bates.
“There’s still some people stuck in Singapore, so hopefully they’ll be home soon,” Robinson said.
“It was quite a long trip home so I’m very tired, looking forward to bed, also looking forward to seeing my dog and my cat.”
The 24-strong New Zealand team brought back a total of nine medals.
That’s down from 12 medals in Tokyo 2020 with a team of 29 athletes and 21 medals in Rio with a 31-strong squad.
“The standard in the world has absolutely increased,” Bates said. “Our challenge now is to go and lift the standard even more.”
Murray said preparation for LA 2028 begins now.
“I definitely feel amped up to keep going and I’m ready to get back into training.”