Brazil clinches first gold at Paralympic Athletics World Championships
The Brazilian delegation secured its first gold medal in the ongoing Paralympic Athletics World Championships in Paris, France. The achievement was accomplished by Ricardo Mendonça in the 100-meter race of the T37 class (cerebral palsy) on Monday (Jul. 10), clocking an impressive time of 11.21 seconds.
"This is the realization of a dream. Every experience I've had has led me to this moment. It's wonderful to be here. Last year, I faced a knee injury, and I thought about giving up. However, I persevered. I express my gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey," said Mendonça, who was followed in the race by Saptoyogo Purnomo from Indonesia and his fellow Brazilian competitor, Christian Gabriel, who secured third place.
In the 5,000-meter event for the T11 class (blind athletes), two Brazilians claimed medals. Julio Cesar Agripino took the silver with a time of 15 minutes and 7.21 seconds, while Paralympic champion Yeltsin Jacques secured the bronze, completing the distance in 15 minutes and 12.37 seconds. The gold medal went to Japan's Kenya Karasawa, who finished in 15 minutes and 5.19 seconds.
Three podium finishes on day one
The World Athletics Championships commenced on Sunday (9), with Brazil capturing three medals on the opening day. Lorena Spoladore secured the silver in the long jump event of the T11 class (for the blind), while Vinicius Quintino claimed bronze in frame running (T72), and Wallace dos Santos earned bronze in the weight throw F55 category (for wheelchair users).
