After breaking the world record in his heat for the 200m T36 on night three of the World Para Athletics Championships in London, James Turner (NSWIS) soared to glory again, in yet another World Record Time of 24.09s (-0.4).

The 21-year-old from Diamond Beach finished close to an entire second ahead of silver medallist Kryzsztof Ciuksza from Poland, to win his maiden world title.

“It’s absolutely amazing to win my first world title, but to be honest I didn’t think it’d be in the 200m,” he said.

“All I was thinking about was my race plan: fast at the start, ease at the bend, and slingshot out of the bend.

“I was hoping I’d break another world record (before running tonight) but I was a bit concerned I ran too fast in the heat, but to break it again is just fantastic.”

The best part for Turner, is that his main event is yet to come.

“I was expecting the 200m to be my hardest event, and I’d have to fight tooth and nail to get a placing, so I’m really happy with the way I went, and I know I’ve still got more left in me.”

But that was not it for Australia’s success on day four of competition. Erin Cleaver (NSWIS) soared in the long jump T38, with a jump of 4.61m (+0.1) to win silver – the Novocastrian’s best international result yet, and first major medal in the event.

Cleaver had been in the gold medal position until her third jump, when GB’s Olivia Breen surged forward to 4.81 (+0.5). Despite having lost the gold, Cleaver was thrilled with her overall result.

“I was not expecting that one bit. Coming in, I was hoping to get a PB but even though I didn’t quite get that (4.62m), coming out with a silver medal is an amazing feeling and one that’s pretty motivating,” Cleaver said.

“It was great to be in the lead for so long until Olivia took her third jump, but I’m still overjoyed. I’m still shocked that I’m in the medals let alone out there.”

 

Madison de Rozario (NSWIS) won her second consecutive bronze medal in the T54 1500m (3.25:56s), and is prouder than ever of her result, having competed against a full field of competitors.

“That was incredible. I won a bronze in this event in Doha, but two of the quickest women weren’t there at the time, so to do that again in a full field was great, and a lot of fun,” de Rozario said.

“It was a messy race, there were a lot of different tactics going and we were all floating around in the middle for a while there, but I’m glad I could catch a good wheel and make a strong finish. I think it’s given me some confidence going into my 5000m in four days time.”

In the same event, Angie Ballard (NSWIS) placed fifth in a time of 3:25.79.

 

With plenty still to come, Australians at home can catch all the action via a live stream at www.paralympic.org.au/ParaSportLive

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