Manon Genest unlocked the French record books with bronze after a masterful competition, the fruit of a long year’s work. On the different areas of the Charléty stadium, this 4th day of competition saw four world records, proof of another intense day of high performance.
Jump side
The T38 long jump was won by China’s Xiaoyan Wen, who also set the world record. At 5m33, she improves on her own record from the 2019 Dubai World Championships (5m22).
On the blue side, Manon Genest paved the way for success for the French delegation. With a jump measured at 4m76, she won over the Parisian public, who supported her throughout the competition. The pride of an entire nation was reflected in the congratulations of the Minister for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Amélie Oudéa-Castera, on the edge of the ferry.
New title for the world record holder in the T12 long jump. Ukraine’s Oksana Zubkovska won with a jump of 5m78. She beat Uzbekistan’s Kholbekova (5m54) and Japan’s Sawada (5m23).
In the T47 high jump, American Roderick Townsend soared to the top, retaining his title and improving his own world record by one centimetre. With a bar at 2m16, he too thrilled the French public.
Throwing side
To kick off the programme for this 4th day, Iranian Rashid Masjedi set a new championship record in the F53 shot put with a throw of 8m49 on his 3rd attempt.
A little later in the morning, in the F40 shot put, it was Germany’s Yannis Fischer who took the world title and the championship record (11m43). He won gold ahead of Iraq’s Garrah Tnaiash (11m28) and Portugal’s Miguel Monteiro (11m14).
The only athlete to throw over 14m (14.01), Great Britain’s Sabrina Fortune retained her world title and set a new championship record. Frenchwoman Gloria Agblemagnon was unable to express herself fully in this competition. With a throw of 13m11, she finished 4th but opened up a quota for France at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
In the discus area, the 38-year-old Chinese, Juan Yao (F64), set the record straight from her first attempt with a throw measured at 41m66, the best performance of her season to win gold.
Track side
A Thai double in the 400m, with two titles and two world records to boot, for Chaiwat Rattana (T34), in 48.65s. He was followed a few minutes later by the reigning Paralympic Champion, Pongsakorn Paeyo (T53) in 46.11s. In this final, Pierre Fairbank was 5th (48.53s) and Nicolas Brignone 7th (50.26s).
A new title and a new championship record for Catherine Debrunner. The Swiss woman won the 800m T53 with an incredible time (1:38.89), just one tenth off the world record. In T54, her compatriot also took the title with a championship record. Manuela Schaer took gold in 1:42.25.
As for the French this morning, the Tricolores, competing in the 400m T11, put on a show. In the semi-finals, Timothée Adolphe (guide: Jeffrey Lami) and Trésor Makunda (guide: Lucas Mathonat) both qualified for the final, securing at least a medal. It remains to be seen what kind of metal it will be.
In the women’s T13 200m, the final went to the three Frenchwomen, Nantenin Keita, Alice Metais and Célia Terki.
In the men’s T13 100m, Axel Zorzi headed for the final after finishing third in his semi-final.
Stand side
The atmosphere was great throughout the day, despite the hot weather. For the evening session, Breakbot & Irfane warmed up the stands before giving way to the athletes.
See you this Wednesday for another day of performance, fun and sharing with the 11,000 spectators who turned out today. On the programme, 19 gold medals will be up for grabs after DJ Abdel opens the evening session.