Paralympic bike owner Ricardo Ten Argilés wasn’t on board with the backlash over his award after successful the C1 class on the 2023 UCI World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday.
The 47-year-old Spanish athlete, who has each his arms amputated across the elbows, was offered with two gold medals, in addition to two Tissot watches in the course of the post-race presentation.
Argilés was all smiles whereas posing with the watch on the rostrum, nonetheless, some followers felt in another way on Twitter — and slammed Watchmaker Tissot, which is without doubt one of the main sponsors of the occasion, for gifting the para-cyclist with wristwatches.
“Not a really nicely thought present,” one particular person wrote, whereas one other known as the successful prize an “insensitive” gesture.
Argilés, who can also be a Paralympic swimmer, didn’t seem to really feel that means.
The truth is, he thanked Tissot for “believing on this tremendous world of inclusion” in a Twitter publish.
Argilés additionally reposted a tweet that learn: “It regarded like a tactless slip on the a part of the organizers. However the armless bike owner overcame the awkward second and rejoiced as if nothing had occurred.”
After the occasion, Argilés shared a video of himself celebrating with a watch round his bicep and made gentle of the scenario.
“Ricardo, what time is it?” somebody requested within the video.
“World champion time!” Argilés replied earlier than letting out a joyful yell.
Argilés reposted positive messages in regards to the scenario, together with one about his video, which learn: “Wonderful reply to all of the sure sure who had shouted on the inappropriate present with out even realizing the opinion of the primary particular person involved.”
He shared the clip quite a few occasions, together with smiling, watch and gold medal emojis on Twitter.
“I’m very completely satisfied to have gained two Tissots, one for every arm however above all for what it means for Paralympic biking, complete inclusion of the game on the highest degree,” Argilés wrote on Twitter.
The para-cyclist had each arms and his left leg amputated after he was electrocuted by excessive voltage wires when he was simply eight years previous, News.com.au reported.
Argilés beforehand stated 75 p.c of his physique suffered third-degree burns, in accordance with the outlet.
Saturday’s victory in Glasgow marked his fifth para observe biking world title within the C1 scratch race.
Argilés competed as a Paralympic Swimmer on the Olympics in Atlanta (1996), Sidney (2000), Beijing (2008), London (2012) and Rio (2016), earlier than competing as a Paralympic bike owner on the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
The para-cyclist is now getting ready to compete on the European Championships and 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
