Not Revenge, But Redemption For Turner

Australia had its most successful medal haul – three – on the ninth and last day of competition in track-and field events at the famous Stade de France in northern Paris. 

James Turner claimed his second gold medal for the 2024 Games, his fourth Paralympic gold medal at his third Games, and perhaps the one with the most history behind it. 

Rheed McCracken took a ‘don’t die wondering’ attitude into the 800m (T34) Final and came away with bronze, while middle-distance runner Reece Langdon became the third debutant on the athletics team to win a medal at the 2024 Games with a bronze in the 1500m (T38). 

Turner’s 100m (T36) victory was the one he let slip in Tokyo three years ago and the one he thought he’d never get the chance to claim in Paris after a two-month bout of glandular fever earlier this year. 

Perhaps making the win in 11.85s sweeter was the fact the Tokyo champion, China’s Deng Peicheng finished fourth after relegating Turner to silver in 2021. The Australian had missed the start when a fellow competitor flinched as they steadied on the blocks. 

“I’ve been working really hard with Iryna (Dvoskina, coach) to fix up my start – that’s where I lost it in Tokyo when someone moved beside me,” Turner said. “But I followed my own race plan today, not thinking about what the other athletes were doing. 

“It wasn’t so much revenge for me (today), it was redemption. I take full responsibility for what happened in Tokyo – I shouldn’t let other athletes dictate how I run. So it’s been redemption for me and vindication for my coach Iryna. 

“She’s just wonderful – she’s caring and dedicated her whole life to athletics. She sent me her usual letter this morning saying I’ve done all the work, the track will suit me, she knows that I can do it.” 

That’s now double plaudits for the Turner-Dvoskina team after the 28-year-old won gold in the 400m on Tuesday breaking his own world record in the process. He also has 800m Gold from Rio and 400m Gold from Tokyo. 

“This one (100m in Paris) was definitely the hardest one … I’m not sure which one means the most as they’re all special to me. I do my best in every single race, and in every single race I leave a bit of myself out there.” 

Langdon and teammate Angus Hincksman displayed their potential by taking centre stage in the leading pack for the duration of the 1500m (T38) Final – Langdon on the podium (4min:13.12s) and just 0.01s behind defending Tokyo champion Nate Riech (Canada) with silver. 

“It was amazing. Honestly, I wanted gold understandably. You want to do the best you possibly can, but unfortunately I couldn’t do it on the day but to come away with a medal is amazing. I’m so happy I can at least bring home a bronze for Australia,” Langdon said. 

“I will be the first to admit that tactically I made a lot of mistakes that I shouldn’t have – being boxed in. I am much quicker than that, but unfortunately the better athletes on the day won. I will learn from this and come back stronger and hopefully do better at the next Paralympics.” 

Hincksman took the lead at the bell as the two Australians refused to be intimidated to finish 4th (4:14.14). 

“I wanted to be reactive and trust my instincts. I saw some carnage on the big screen with some people behind me getting swallowed. I saw all the big names around me and just wanted to get some clean running and give myself a head start,” the 19 year-old said. 

“But it wasn’t enough and I sort of tightened up with 90 (metres) to go. But it was a great experience – the atmosphere was incredible. I’d come to the stadium a few times to prepare myself but as soon as you’re out there it’s so much bigger.” 

McCracken put it all out on the Paris track in the 800m (T34) wheelchair final. He broke the spell that seems to have been cast on the Australians of missing the podium by the smallest of margins, when he clocked 1:40.13s for Bronze – just 0.01 ahead Wang Yang (China). 

“This was very unexpected to be honest with you. I can’t believe it, I think that’s the best Paralympic medal I’ve won,” McCracken said. He now has six medals – three silver, three bronze – from his four Paralympic campaigns. 

But he had real resolve today after a disappointing 4th in last Monday’s 100m (T34) final. 

“It was the hardest that I’ve won. I mean, they’re all hard – I have to respect the other five that I won, but in terms of the 100m, I wasn’t quick enough and this one, that last little bit, I thought if I could just hold this position. 

“Everything was hurting – everywhere. My lungs were burning but I thought if I can just get through this. It’s nice to be on the right side of it. I’m stoked with that.” 

The last track event of the day was Rhiannon Clarke in the 400m (T38) final. After knocking 0.97s off her person best in Friday night’s heats, she snipped another 0.58s 24 hours later but had to settle with 5th (1:00.81). Colombia’s Karen Palomeque Moreno broke her own world record in the race (58.67) to give a hint of the quality of the opposition. 

“I am happy with another PB but I definitely wanted more. I guess it’s good to be leaving here hungry and ready to give it another go next time,” said 22-year-old Clarke. “You push your body so hard so it’s definitely a challenge with CP (cerebral palsy) but I’m learning. I was the youngest in that final so I’m not going anywhere.” 

Father of three Nicholas Hum completed Australia’s line-up in the field events with a season-best leap (6.97m) in the long jump (T20) final for 6th. The first five competitors all registered 7.0 metres or more which is where the Tokyo bronze medallist has been before but not tonight. 

“It’s been a big build-up for me with the worlds (Kobe, Japan, in May) and now here. So it’s a bit of a relief that it’s over and I can go home to see the kids,” he said referring to Paige, Holly and Will – all under five years. 

“There were some big jumps out there. I can’t believe how the event has excelled in the past year. And that’s good for all us competitors. It means the Paralympics is growing and the standard with it. 

“It’s awesome really – nothing to shy away from. It’s a challenge and I love that sort of thing where these guys are pushing the limits.” 

The three medals today took Australia into double digits with 10: three gold, one silver and six bronze. The athletics tally might not be finished as Madison de Rozario is out to defend her Tokyo marathon gold through the streets of Paris on Sunday. 

Australian results Day 9 

MEN 
800m T34 Final: Rheed McCracken, Bronze (1min:40.13s). 
100m T36 Final: James Turner, Gold (11.85s). 
Long Jump T20 Final: Nicholas Hum, 6th 6.97m 
1500m T38 Final: Reece Langdon, Bronze (4:13.13); Angus Hincksman, 4th (4:14.14) 

WOMEN 
400m T36 Final: Rhiannon Clarke, 5th (1:00.81) 

By: Margie McDonald, Paralympics Australia
Published: 8 September 2024