Para-athlete Sabrina Fortune delivered a stunning performance at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, obliterating her own world record to claim her fourth career World Championship gold in the Women’s Shot Put F20 event.
The 28-year-old, who is also the reigning Paralympic champion from Paris 2024, launched the shot put an incredible 16.75 metres with her first attempt. The throw smashed her previous world record of 15.75m, set just last month in Birmingham, and secured her the gold medal by a dominant margin of almost three metres.
“After the first throw that was loads of fun!” Fortune told BBC Sport. “I wasn’t expecting that much, we were hoping for around 16m. I wanted another world record but it’s never guaranteed.”
Fortune, who competes in the F20 class for athletes with an intellectual impairment, spoke passionately about her journey in the sport. “I have a learning disability and it takes me a long time to learn new things, there are days when I can’t focus, my brain is turned off. But India has been amazing, I am learning the culture and the language.”
Woods Secures Maiden Global Medal
The medal rush continued for Great Britain as Scotland’s Melanie Woods secured her first global medal, claiming bronze in the Women’s 800m T54.
Woods, who is also scheduled to compete in the 400m and 1500m events later this week, was thrilled with her achievement. “I am super proud,” she said. “I have raced well this season and was confident of a medal, I see these girls as beatable now.”
The World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi began on Saturday and run until this Sunday, 5 October, with free entry to all spectators.
