Meet our team and view their competition schedules here.

Steeplechase world champion Geordie Beamish headlines the Kiwi contingent on the track. Beamish stunned the sporting world in 2025 when he flew from seventh to the lead to overhaul two-time Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali in the final strides at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The win was New Zealand’s first-ever world title in a men’s track event.

Beamish is now based in Boulder, Colorado and will be looking to improve on his fifth-place finish at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Men’s Shot Put is set to be a one to watch in Glasgow.

Four-time world indoor champ Tom Walsh, the most decorated male athlete in World Athletics Indoor Championships history with seven medals, returns to defend his Commonwealth Games title alongside Birmingham 2022 silver medallist Jacko Gill.

Walsh and Gill’s one-two finish in Birmingham was one of the big moments of the Games, with the pair now joined by rising young thrower Nick Palmer at Glasgow 2026. Palmer has trained alongside Walsh in recent years and is a regular 20m+ thrower.

In the women’s field events, Imogen Ayris makes her return to the Games as the reigning Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in the Pole Vault.

She will arrive in Glasgow in career-best form after a bronze medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń in 2026 and clearing a new PB of 4.81m at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland in June.

She is joined in the Pole Vault by three-time Olympian and 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Eliza McCartney, the national record holder at 4.94m and 2025 London Diamond League winner Olivia McTaggart. The trio makes up one of the deepest Women’s Pole Vault groups New Zealand has fielded at a major Games.

Reigning High Jump World, Commonwealth and Olympic champion Hamish Kerr also returns to the New Zealand Team. Kerr cleared 2.30m earlier this year at the Track Stars event in Auckland and has set his sights for more at Glasgow 2026.

Sprint star Zoe Hobbs leads the women’s track programme fresh off of a Diamond League podium in Oslo and an 11.00s performance over 100m in Darwin at the Oceania Athletics Championships.

In the middle distances the New Zealand Team is represented by Paris Olympian James Preston in the Men’s 800m, who shattered Sir Peter Snell’s 62-year-old 800m national record in 2024, and two-time Olympian Sam Tanner who will contest the Men’s One Mile. Geordie Beamish has also been given permission to start in the Men’s One Mile in Glasgow, meaning two Kiwis could contest the distance which returns to the Commonwealth Games programme for the first time since 1966.

National Javelin record holder Tori Moorby and five-time national Hammer champion Lauren Bruce lead the women’s throws, while reigning World Under-20 Triple Jump champion Ethan Olivier makes his Commonwealth Games debut. 

The Heptathlon features debutants Briana Stephenson, alongside national champion Maddie Wilson. Anthony Barmes, James Steyn and Nick Southgate round out the team in the Men’s Hammer and Pole Vault respectively.

Athletics New Zealand CEO, Cam Mitchell, said the team was one of the strongest athletics contingents New Zealand had assembled for a Commonwealth Games.

“From reigning World, Commonwealth and Olympic champions to athletes competing at their first Games, we have exceptional depth and real medal aspirations across multiple events. Glasgow 2026 is going to be an outstanding Games for New Zealand athletics.”

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO, Nicki Nicol, congratulated the athletes on their selections.

“We welcome each of the 21 athletes selected to the New Zealand Team for Glasgow 2026,” said Nicol.

“In recent years, Athletics has provided us with some memorable moments at Games time and we hope this group will continue that legacy of performance excellence, all while wearing the fern with pride and distinction,” she said.

The Athletics programme takes place at Scotstoun Sports Campus from 27 July to 1 August.

NZ Team — Athletics | Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games:
Max Attwell – Men’s Decathlon
Imogen Ayris – Women’s Pole Vault
Anthony Barmes – Men’s Hammer Throw
Geordie Beamish – Men’s 3000m Steeplechase
Lauren Bruce – Women’s Hammer Throw
Jacko Gill – Men’s Shot Put
Anna Grimaldi – Women’s 100m T47 (selected on 30 April)
Zoe Hobbs – Women’s 100m
Hamish Kerr – Men’s High Jump
Eliza McCartney – Women’s Pole Vault
Olivia McTaggart – Women’s Pole Vault
Tori Moorby – Women’s Javelin
Ethan Olivier – Men’s Triple Jump
Nick Palmer – Men’s Shot Put
James Preston – Men’s 800m
Nick Southgate – Men’s Pole Vault
James Steyn – Men’s Pole Vault
Briana Stephenson – Women’s Heptathlon
Sam Tanner – Men’s One Mile
Tom Walsh – Men’s Shot Put
Maddie Wilson – Women’s Heptathlon

The following athlete has been granted permission to start in an additional event at the Games:
Geordie Beamish – Men’s One Mile

Leading the charge is Anna Grimaldi, returning to her first global championship since her gold medal performance in the 200m T47 at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Joining her is Danielle Aitchison, who has been in blistering form leading into the championships. Danielle recently equalled her own world record in the 200m T36, sending a clear message to her international rivals that she’s ready to fly. In the field, Holly Robinson has also made headlines, bettering her New Zealand record in the Shot Put F46 in the build-up to New Delhi, and she’ll be aiming to convert that momentum into a podium finish.

Another big name returning to the world stage is Lisa Adams, who will compete in the Shot Put F37. After time away from major competition, her comeback adds serious depth to the Kiwi throws squad and brings a wealth of experience to the team.

This year also marks the international debut for three exciting athletes: Michael Whittaker in the 5000m T13, Sarah James in the 100m, 400m, and 800m T53, and Paddy Walsh in the Long Jump T64. Each brings a fresh energy and hunger to the team, and all eyes will be on their first steps onto the global stage.

Here’s when and where to watch our New Zealand team in action. All times are listed in local New Delhi time and NZST(New Zealand Standard Time).

NZ Athletes Schedule

Day 1 – Saturday 27 September

• Joe Smith – 100m T37 Heats
  5:47 PM (Local) / 12:17 AM (+1) NZST

Day 2 – Sunday 28 September

• William Stedman – 400m T36 Heats
  9:20 AM / 4:50 PM NZST
• Anna Grimaldi – 100m T47 Heats
  5:18 PM / 12:48 AM (+1) NZST
• Lisa Adams – Shot Put F37 Final
  6:26 PM / 1:56 AM (+1) NZST

Day 3 – Monday 29 September

• William Stedman – 400m T36 Final
  10:09 AM / 5:39 PM NZST
• Danielle Aitchison – 100m T36 Heats
  5:15 PM / 12:45 (+1) PM NZST
• Anna Grimaldi – 100m T47 Final
  5:36 PM / 1:06 (+1) AM NZST
• Sarah James – 800m T53 Final
  6:38 PM / 2:08 (+1) AM NZST
• Mitch Joynt – 100m T64 Heats
  7:23 PM / 2:53 (+1) AM NZST

Day 4 – Tuesday 30 September

• Danielle Aitchison – 100m T36 Final
  7:30 PM / 3:00 AM NZST
• Mitch Joynt – 100m T64 Final
  7:37 PM / 3:07 AM NZST

Day 5 – Wednesday 1 October

• Michael Whittaker – 5000m T13 Final
  7:20 PM / 2:50 AM NZST

Day 6 – Thursday 2 October

• Holly Robinson – Shot Put F46 Final
  10:14 AM / 5:44 PM NZST
• Sarah James – 100m T53 Final
  6:44 PM / 2:14 AM NZST

Day 7 – Friday 3 October

• Anna Grimaldi – 200m T47 Heats
  9:43 AM / 5:13 PM NZST
• Paddy Walsh – Long Jump T64 Final
  5:29 PM / 12:59 AM NZST
• Danielle Aitchison – 200m T36 Final
  6:20 PM / 1:50 AM NZST
• Sarah James – 400m T53 Final
  6:50 PM / 2:20 AM NZST

Day 9 – Sunday 5 October

• Anna Grimaldi – 200m T47 Semi-Finals
  10:42 AM / 6:12 PM NZST
• Mitch Joynt – 200m T64 Heats
  10:56 AM / 6:26 PM NZST
• William Stedman – Long Jump T36 Final
  5:37 PM / 1:07 AM (+1) NZST
• Anna Grimaldi – 200m T47 Final
  6:07 PM / 1:37 AM (+1) NZST
• Mitch Joynt – 200m T64 Final
  7:23 PM / 2:53 AM (+1) NZST

The selection follows a strong showing by Kiwi athletes at the 2024 World Championships in Kobe, Japan, where New Zealand secured multiple podium finishes and national records across track and field events. Danielle Aitchison’s incredible World Record over the 200m T36 highlighted the 2024 championships.

The team heading to New Delhi includes an electric mix of Paralympic and World Championship medallists and exciting debutants, all aiming to build on the momentum of last year. The ten-strong contingent is the largest team selected for a World Para Athletics Champs since 2019.

This year’s Championships mark the first time India will host the event, with more than 1,000 athletes expected to compete across 186 medal events at New Delhi’s iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the host of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

2024 Paralympic Champion Anna Grimaldi was thrilled to be back in the black singlet in 2025.

Our team will be spending some time ahead of the championships in the warmer climate of Darwin, Australia. The pre-camp will be a prime opportunity for the team to acclimate to the hot, average 34c days forecasted in New Delhi before transitioning into the championship environment. 

Today’s final team announcement sees a multiple-time world champion selected for the team. Lisa Adams joins the team, lining up in the Women’s Shot Put F37. Adams has previously won two Para Athletics world titles and the gold at the Tokyo Paralympics. She is also the current owner of the world shot put F37 record.

Athletics NZ Chief Executive Cam Mitchell said the team reflects the strength and depth of the Para athletics programme.

Full Athletic New Zealand team for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships:

Anna Grimaldi | Coach: Mikey Jacobs
Women’s 100m T47 & 200m T47

Danielle Aitchison | Coach: Alan McDonald
Women’s 100m T36 & 200m T36

Holly Robinson | Coach: Raylene Bates
Women’s Shot Put F46

Joe Smith | Coach: Matt Beckenham
Men’s 100m T37

Lisa Adams | Coach: Kim Mickle
Women’s Shot Put F37

Michael Whittaker | Coach: Vaughan Craddock
Men’s 5000m T13 (Debut)

Mitch Joynt | Coach Nick Cowan
Men’s 100m T64, 200m T64

Paddy Walsh | Coach: Mitch Joynt
Women’s Long Jump T64 (Debut)

Sarah James | Coach: Blanche Herbert
Women’s 100m T53, 400m T53m, 800m T53 (Debut)

Will Stedman | Coach: James Sandilands
400m T36, Long Jump T36

The scaled-down Games will feature 11 sports taking place over four venues and no athletes’ village. For the 2026 Games, Athletics New Zealand has been allocated 18 quota spots for able-bodied athletes, with para-athlete spots additional on top of this. 

As of the publication of this announcement, 21 New Zealand athletes have achieved at least one performance standard within the qualification period.

The Nomination Criteria apply to eligible athletes who wish to be considered for nomination to the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) for selection to the 2026 Commonwealth Games team.

Athletes interested in being nominated must complete the Application for NZOC Long List Form. We recommend reading the full criteria carefully and reaching out early if you have any questions.

For any questions regarding the 2026 Commonwealth Games and/or the nomination criteria, please contact Brianna Maynard, High Performance Teams Logistics Manager.

View the competition policy here
Link to application for long list here

This year marks the first time India will host the World Championships, with more than 1,000 athletes expected to compete across 186 medal events at New Delhi’s iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Championships also serve as a key stepping stone toward the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Among the eight athletes selected is debutant Paddy Walsh, who will compete in the women’s long jump T64. Guiding her journey is coach and seasoned para-sprinter Mitch Joynt, who has also been selected to represent New Zealand in the men’s 200m T64.

For Walsh, this marks her first senior black singlet team “I feel really honoured to be selected to go to India this year,” she said. “I feel like I’ve worked hard for it, and it feels kind of crazy knowing that I’ve been trying all these years — and I didn’t really think I’d be able to get to this level as soon as I have. So I feel quite excited and a little bit nervous.”

Receiving her black singlet from Joynt as he informed her of her selection on Tuesday at the pairs regular training session added an extra layer of meaning for Walsh. “It definitely gives me a bit of comfort, especially because I feel otherwise I’d be kind of going into it [world championships] a little uncertain,” she said. “He’s got a lot of wisdom and can really help guide me and help get the best experience that I can.”

For Mitch Joynt, selection for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships is a special moment “I’m obviously stoked to be selected again,” he said. “It’s always a pleasure to get to represent New Zealand.” But this year, the honour carries even deeper meaning with Walsh’s first senior black singlet selection. “I’ve known Paddy probably a decade. I trained with her, and now I coach her, and I consider her a friend,” Joynt reflected. “No one deserves this more than Paddy, and I’m really stoked for her, it’s amazing.”

Joynt’s memorable international debut secured a bronze medal in the men’s 200m T64 at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris. He backed up this performance in Kobe, Japan in 2024 with another bronze over the 200m T64.

The team also features a blend of experienced Paralympians and promising newcomers:

Among the selected athletes is Anna Grimaldi, a three-time Paralympic champion, who captured the hearts of the nation after her emphatic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games in the 200m T47. Returning to the track just hours after her tough 4^th place finish in the Long Jump T47

Will Stedman is set to participate in the men’s 100m T36, 400m T36, and long jump T36. Stedman has consistently performed at the highest level, securing multiple medals at international competitions.

Holly Robinson will take on the women’s shot put F46. An incredibly experienced and decorated athlete, with 7 world champs under her belt. Robinson is best known for her dominant career in the javelin throw, but in recent years has shown herself to be just as competitive in the shot put. Robinson took home the shot put F46 silver medal from the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, and the bronze in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Danielle Aitchison set a blistering new 200m T36 record at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan to win the world championships title. Aitchison continued her stellar 2024 with dual silvers over the 100m T36 and 200m T36 at the Paris Paralympic Games. She’s been selected in the women’s 100m T36 and 200m T36

Michael Whittaker is set to make his international debut in Para athletics, continuing a remarkable and unconventional journey to the world stage. A former international fashion model, Whittaker’s life took a dramatic turn in his mid-twenties when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder leading to progressive vision loss. Undeterred, he discovered a passion for running during the COVID-19 lockdowns, finding solace and purpose in the sport. Since then, he has rapidly ascended the ranks of Para athletics, setting a national half marathon T13 record of 1:13:54 at the 2024 Auckland Marathon. Whittaker set a 5000m best earlier this year at the 2025 Jennian Homes NZ Track and Field Championships at the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin of 15:32.66.

Sarah James joins as the team’s only wheelchair racer, where she’s set to compete in the 100m T53. She currently holds the NZ Senior and U20 100m T53 records with her breakthrough time of 18.40(1.6) at the Canberra Classic in Australia last March.

Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive Cam Mitchell said the selection reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to Para sport and athlete development.

“We’re incredibly proud of this team. It’s a group that brings together our most experienced international medallists with exciting emerging athletes making their debut on the world stage,” said Mitchell. “This shows the strength of our Para athletics programme and the pathways we’re building to support long-term success. We’re confident this team will not only perform with distinction in New Delhi, but inspire future generations of Para athletes across Aotearoa.”

Selected athletes for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships:

Anna Grimaldi – Women’s 100m T47 and 200m T47
Will Stedman – Men’s 100m T36 & 400m T36, & long jump T36
Holly Robinson – Women’s shot put F46
Danielle Aitchison – Women’s 100m T36 & 200m T36
Mitch Joynt – Men’s 200m T64
Paddy Walsh – Women’s long jump T64 (Debut)
Michael Whittaker – 5000m T13 (Debut)
Sarah James – 100m T53 (Debut)

This competition is scheduled to be held from 27 September to 5 October in New Delhi, India.

Key Upcoming dates to note:

16 April: Online Information Session held by Athletics NZ 6pm – 6:45pm. Details will be circulated closer to the time.
23 April: Selection Application closing date
7 May: Initial Selection Announcement
23 May: Team Leader announced       

Members of management, including the Team Leader, will be confirmed once the team make-up is known following the initial selection announcement. Coaches who wish to express an interest in being considered for team management should review the staffing process in the selection policy (refer to clauses 11.3 and 11.4).

Heading into the 2025-2028 cycle, para athletics is now fully integrated from a funding perspective and no longer receives a specific allocation within our HP funding. Rather, we are funded to achieve targets, and for the Para programme, these targets are medals at the World Para Athletics Champs and Paralympic Games across this cycle. Therefore, Athletics NZ is happy to confirm that the World Para Athletics Championships will now be a fully funded HP team for all selected athletes.

Click here to view the competition information and selection policy.

This investment, totalling an increase of $1.6 million over the next four years, reflects the success of Athletics New Zealand’s high-performance program and highlights confidence in the future of our sport. The funding will enable the organisation to continue delivering the high-performance program, which supports both elite able-bodied and elite para-athletes on their journey to global success.

“This funding is a powerful recognition of the successes of our high-performance program over multiple Olympic and Paralympic cycles. It will allow us to continue our investment in programs that support both able-bodied and para-athletes, ensuring that our high-performance model continues to deliver world-class results.” Shared Athletics NZ CEO Cam Mitchell.

Since The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, athletics has contributed an impressive 30% of New Zealand’s total medal haul. This sustained success reflects the sport’s depth of talent, world-class coaching programs and effective support systems.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games exemplified this with several standout performances led by Hamish Kerr’s gold medal in the High Jump and Anna Grimaldi’s double podium at the Paralympics, winning the only Paralympic gold for New Zealand in the 200m T47 and bronze in the 100m T47.

These achievements underscore the breadth of talent within New Zealand athletics.

High-Performance Director Scott Newman highlighted the importance of this investment in securing the future of New Zealand athletics.

“The success in Paris shows the strength of our integrated system and the depth of talent in our program. This additional funding will allow us to continue to build on this momentum, ensuring our top athletes and coaches are supported over the next four years in the lead into the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Our top para-athletes, including Anna Grimaldi, Will Stedman, Holly Robinson and Danielle Aitchison, continue our excellence on the Para-Athletics world stage. Para-athletics remains a cornerstone of Athletics New Zealand’s program, with the organisation continuing to invest in growing opportunities and pathways for para-athletes and coaches.

Para Lead Raylene Bates emphasised the significance of the funding for our current athletes and the next generation of para talent.

“This funding will ensure our para-athletes and coaches have the resources, support, and opportunities to excel on the world stage. Our athletes can continue to focus on achieving their best while inspiring the next generation of para talent.”

With this increased support, Athletics New Zealand is poised to build on its strong, high-performance legacy. As the journey toward Los Angeles 2028 begins, the organisation remains committed to inspiring New Zealanders and delivering results that resonate on the world stage. With the support of HPSNZ, the sport is well-positioned to thrive in the years ahead.

Danielle Aitchison, the 200m T36 world record holder, launched New Zealand’s 2024 Paralympic Athletics campaign, becoming the first Kiwi Paralympian to take on the iconic purple track of the Stade de France in Paris. In search of an upgrade the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Aitchison was hunting the top spot in her favoured event.

Aitchison relaxed through her heat to safely advance to the 200m T36 final. She cruised through the last 50 meters to easily win her heat, setting a new Paralympic record of 28.09 seconds—a result that seemed to surprise Aitchison, considering how much she eased off in the final stretch.

Returning the next day for her final, Aitchison entered the race as one of two favoured athletes alongside Yiting Shi of China. Shi had won the previous two 200m T36 paralympic titles and presented the most significant challenge for Aitchison in Paris.Aitchison was flying out of the blocks and as she came off the bend trailed slightly behind the equally fast starting Shi.The gap maintained the entire way down the home straight with Aitchison flying to claw back the deficit. Shi’s strength over the closing parts of the race was too great for Aitchison to recover the distance and she finished in second. Earning a hard fought and well won silver medal to kick start our medal tally on the track in Paris.

“It was definitely a hard race, I felt strong coming out of the blocks and on the home straight I was neck and neck with Shi, it was a serious race. I was a bit disappointed with the last five metres and got really fatigued. I’m feeling tired I had a late night (after the evening heats) and didn’t get to bed until this morning. I am happy with the time, which was great.”

Aitchison returns on September 4^th and 5^th (NZT) to contest the 100m T36 heats and final! You can catch her final races at the 2024 Paris Paralympics Games live and free on TVNZ+.

Quote courtesy of Paralympics NZ

Anna Grimaldi
Grimaldi, the defending Paralympic Long Jump T47 champion, is back for her third straight games, aiming for her third straight gold. The competition will be intense as she faces off against the Para Athletics world champion, Kiara Rodiguez, who finished ahead of Grimaldi at the 2024 World Champs. Grimaldi’s quest to surpass the 6m mark for the first time in Paris adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Grimaldi has also earned selection in Paris’s 100m and 200m T47. Earlier this year, she won bronze at the 2024 Para Athletics World Champs over the 100m T47, so she will be in medal contention over both distances in Paris.
Grimaldi’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she was proudly announced as one of two flag bearers for the opening ceremony, a testament to her dedication and success in the sport. 

Will Stedman
Paralympic medals will be the goal for two-time Paralympian Will Stedman. With a proud history at the Paralympic Games, Stedman won two bronze medals in Rio 2016 and a silver and bronze in Tokyo 2020. Off the back of his win in the 400m T36 at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, Stedman will be a hot contender in Paris. Stedman lines up in the Long Jump, 400m and 100m T36 in Paris. 

Danielle Aitchison
Our sprint legend Danielle Aitchison is heading to Paris to fly over the 100m and 200m T36. Aitchison laid down a stunning performance at the 2024 Para Athletics World Championships earlier this year, where she obliterated the 200m T36 record by 0.7s. Her new mark of 27.47s set her well clear of the field to claim gold in Kobe, Japan. Returning for her second Paralympics, Aitchison will be looking to lock in more medals after her silver over 200m T36 and bronze over 100m T36 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. 

Holly Robinson
Holly Robinson heads to Paris for her fourth Paralympic Games appearance. As one of the most experienced athletes heading to Paris, Robinson knows what’s required to succeed on the global stage. The defending Javelin F46 from Tokyo 2020 will be looking to secure the top spot again to go back-to-back. Her quest for medals has a new challenge in Paris with the addition of the Shot Put F46 to the program. As the two-time World Para-athletics silver medalist in the Shot Put F46, Robinson hopes to secure more than one medal in Paris.

Mitch Joynt
Making his Paralympic debut over the 200m T64, Mitch Joynt is no stranger to international competition. Joynt improved his 200m T64 Oceania record with a 23.15 at the 2024 Para Athletics World Champs in Kobe, Japan, to win bronze. In his debut, Joynt will have his sights set on standing on the medal dais in Paris.

Anna Steven
Returning for her second Paralympic Games, Anna Steven hopes to raise the bar over her chosen event, the 200m T64. After finishing 8th place in Tokyo in 2020, Steven returned to the Paralympics as our final athlete, earning selection and holding the Oceania Record of 28.60 from Tokyo.

How to watch the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games
The Paralympics will be live and free on TVNZ 1 with 5 pop-up streaming channels on TVNZ+. Catch all the action from the 29th of August until the end of the games.
Follow our athletes for updates and recaps via our Athletics New Zealand Instagram and Facebook.

Paralympics Schedule

1 September
7:25 AM NZT – Women’s 200m T36 Heats – Danielle Aitchison (31 August 21:25 CEST)
10:31 PM NZT – Women’s 200m T36 Final* – Danielle Aitchison (1 September 12:31 CEST)
 
3 September
5:12 AM NZT – Men’s Long Jump T36 Final* – Will Stedman (2 September 19:12 CEST)
8:30 AM NZT – Women’s 200m T64 Heats – Anna Steven (3 September 10:30 CEST)
9:54 PM NZT – Men’s 400m T36 Final* – Will Stedman (3 September 11:54 CEST)
10:46 PM NZT – Women’s 100m T47 Heats – Anna Grimaldi (3 September 12:46 CEST)
 
4 September
5:50 AM NZT – Women’s 200m T64 Final* – Anna Steven (3 September 19:50 CEST)
6:16 AM NZT – Women’s 100m T47 Final* – Anna Grimaldi (3 September 20:16 CEST)
10:02 PM NZT – Women’s Shot Put F46 Final* – Holly Robinson (4 September 12:02 CEST)
10:58 PM NZT – Women’s 100m T36 Heats – Danielle Aitchison (4 September 12:58 CEST)
 
5 September
5:04 AM NZT – Women’s 100m T36 Final* – Danielle Aitchison (5 September 19:04 CEST)
 
6 September
8:00 PM NZT – Women’s Long Jump T47 Final* – Anna Grimaldi (6 September 10:00 CEST)

7 September
5:18 AM NZT – Women’s Javelin F46 Final* – Holly Robinson (6 September 19:18 CEST)
6:33 AM NZT – Men’s 100m T36 Heats – Will Stedman (6 September 20:33 CEST)
8:50 PM NZT – Men’s 100m T36 Final* – Will Stedman (7 September 10:50 CEST)
10:02 PM NZT – Men’s 200m T64 Heats – Mitch Joynt (7 September 12:02 CEST)
10:41 PM NZT – Women’s 200m T47 Heats – Anna Grimaldi (7 September 12:41 CEST)
 
8 September
5:43 AM NZT – Women’s 200m T47 Final* – Anna Grimaldi (7 September 19:43 CEST)
5:50 AM NZT – Men’s 200m T64 Final* – Mitch Joynt (7 September 19:50 CEST)

* = Pending successful progression. 

• Anna’s addition in the 200m T64 bolsters our team’s numbers to 6. 

• The Paralympics take place in Paris, France from the 28th of August to 8th of September.

• Kiwis can follow the 2024 Paralympic live and free-to-air on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1.

Anna Steven, the 2020 Tokyo Paralympian, said of her selection “I’m very happy and honoured to have another opportunity to represent New Zealand at a Paralympic Games and wear the fern…. I enjoyed some good results recently while racing in Europe and everything is tracking positively. I hope to do the best I can and make myself and New Zealand proud in Paris.” 

After being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 12 and following months of chemotherapy, Steven underwent major surgery which led to a below the knee right leg amputation. Inspired by watching the feats of Liam Malone, who won two gold medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Anna took up Para athletics at the age of 16. 

Within her first year of stepping on the track she competed for New Zealand at the 2017 World Junior Para Championships and two years later made her senior debut at the Para Athletics World Championships in Dubai, posting an Oceania 100m T64 record and placing seventh in the 200m T64 final. 

Anna joins our previously named and profiled athletes competing in Paris. 

Anna Steven
200m T64 
Anna Grimaldi
100m T47, 200m T47, Long Jump F46
Holly Robinson
Javelin F46, Shot Put F46 
Mitch Joynt
200m T64 
Danielle Aitcheson
100m T36, 200m T36 
Will Stedman
200m T36, Long Jump T36 

Grimaldi, who has claimed back-to-back Paralympic long jump T47 titles at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games, said: “I couldn’t be more honoured to be one of the Team flagbearers with Cam. When I was asked, I was really emotional. To have been thought of as a leader in this space makes me proud of how far I’ve come in my career.”

Grimaldi was announced as the flag bearer at the Paralympic farewell and final team announcement in Auckland on the 24th of August. 

“I can’t wait to get to Paris and carry the flag alongside Cam. It is going to be one of the highlights of my career.”

The Paralympics kick off in Paris on the 28th of August and run until the 8th of September. Anna Grimaldi will be competing in the T47 Long jump, T47 100m and the T47 200m. 

The Hamilton-based sprinter has enjoyed a stellar season and competes in both the Women’s 100m T36 and Women’s 200m T36 events at Paris 2024.

The 22-year-old athlete, who has cerebral palsy, played numerous sports as a child, but her love of sprinting was cemented after attending the Halberg Games in 2017.

Joining the Hamilton City Hawks club and under the guidance of her current coach, Alan McDonald, she made her international debut at the 2019 Para Athletics World Championships in Dubai winning a breakout 200m T36 silver medal.

At the age of 20, Aitchison made her Paralympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and performing like a seasoned veteran snared 200m T36 silver and 100m T36 bronze medals.

The Patetonga-raised athlete has gone from strength to strength over the past two seasons and last year claimed a stunning 200m T36 gold medal in an Oceania record time and 100m T36 silver at the 2023 Para Athletics World Championships in Paris.

At the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships in May, she further built on this success by blitzing to 200m T36 gold in a world record mark of 27.47 – wiping a staggering 0.70 from the previous mark – and also bagged the 100m T36 silver medal.

A delighted Aitchison, who recently completed an internship at Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) supporting the Seeing is Believing Paralympic Education Programme said of her selection: “I am incredibly happy to receive selection to my second Paralympic Games. It has been an emotional few months to this moment and I am looking forward to getting out on the track and giving my all.”

Greg Warnecke, PNZ Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are very happy to announce Danielle for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Since her success in Tokyo, she has matured and developed further into an established world-class athlete. I’m sure she will perform once again with typical pride and spirit as part of the New Zealand Paralympic Team in Paris.”

Cam Mitchell, CE at Athletics NZ, added: “We are delighted that Danielle has been added to the Para athletics team for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Her gold medal-winning performances over the past couple of seasons have taken her to a new realm and we are very much looking forward to watching her compete in the French capital later this year.”

Aitchison joins four Para athletics athletes – Paralympian #183 Holly Robinson, Paralympian #195 Anna Grimaldi, Paralympian #208 Will Stedman and Para athlete Mitch Joynt – who were named in April on the NZ Paralympic Team for Paris.

Since the initial announcement, Grimaldi, who was selected for the Women’s Long Jump T47 has been additionally added to also compete in the Women’s 100m T47 and Women’s 200m T47 events.

So far 13 athletes have been named in the NZ Paralympic Team for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Gamers across six Para sports.