Tokyo Paralympics: Anna Grimaldi, Holly Robinson both favourites for gold medals, canoe sprinters also in contention

Rio de Janeiro gold medallist Anna Grimaldi looms as New Zealand's brightest medal hopeful, ahead of Friday's action at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Grimaldi, 24, is one of a number of Rio medallists competing on Friday, looking to back up her gold medal performance in the women's long jump T47.

So far this year, Grimaldi boasts a personal best of 5.91m - more than 30cm further than her next closest competitor.

Another medal favourite - boasting a season's leading personal best - is javelin F46 thrower Holly Robinson.

The 26-year-old Hokitika native won silver in Rio, and her 44.26m throw stands out as the world's best on offer so far in 2021.

After a heart-breaking fourth placed finish in the 100m breaststroke SB7 on Wednesday, Nikita Howarth returns to the pool for the 50m butterfly S7.

Howarth won bronze in the butterfly in Rio five years ago, and could add another medal to what's already been a great Games in the pool for the Kiwis.

Having won his heat with the fastest time in the men's KL2 canoe sprint, Scott Marlew competes in his semi-final, with a prospective final also on the cards later on Friday.

However, Anna Steven won't compete in the final of the women's 100m T64, after she was disqualified for a false start in her heat on Thursday.

New Zealand currently sit 23rd on the Tokyo Paralympics' medal table, with four golds, three silvers and three bronzes won so far.

Friday, September 3

CYCLING

12:35pm: Women's C1-3 road race - Sarah Ellington

ATHLETICS

12:35pm: Women's long jump T47 final - Anna Grimaldi

10:28pm: Women's javelin F46 final - Holly Robinson

SWIMMING

12:56pm: Women's 50m butterfly S7 - Nikita Howarth

9:04pm: Women's 50m butterfly S7 final

CANOE SPRINT

1:19pm: Men's KL3 semi-final - Corbin Hart

2:18pm: Men's KL2 final - Scott Martlew

2:44pm: Men's KL3 final