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Australian athletes have continued competing strongly at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, after James Turner picked up silver in the 400m T36 to open the team’s account.
In Day 4 action, Sarah Walsh in the long jump T64, Chad Perris 100m T13 and Corey Anderson in the javelin throw F38 each achieved a fourth placing. Rising star Abby Craswell took fifth in the 100m T36 and Sam Carter finished eighth in the 400m T54.
Turner entered the 400m final as the world record holder and undefeated at the Championships. He looked set to repeat the feat but was chased down in the final 50 metres by trans-Tasman rival Will Stedman who took the crown in 53.36. Turner nabbed second in a time of 53.52.
Turner said the medal was bittersweet but just a stepping stone and part of his prep for Paris.
“I hold myself to a pretty high standard, so I am disappointed today but the fire is always there to do more,” he said.
“I was feeling pretty good at the start of that race but coming into the home straight, my legs locked up coming into the cold wind in the home straight.
“I did all that I could but I feel like I’ve got more to put down on the track.”
Turner is headed home to Canberra now to focus on his final preparations with under 100 days to go until the Paralympic Games in Paris.
“There is no reset required for Paris. This was all part of our plan for our lead up to Paris,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to showing what I can do in 100 days at the Paralympics.”
The 2024 World Para Athletics Championships run until Saturday, May 25 with each session available to view live and free via Nine’s online platform, 9Now.
By Natalie McGarry, Paralympics Australia & Athletics Australia.
Published 21 May, 2024.
