A further two bronze medals have been added to the athletics section medal tally at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, with Chad Perris (WA) and Claire Keefer (Qld) joining the growing list of starters with podium finishes next to their name.
Competing in the T13 100m for athletes that are visually impaired, Perris qualified for the round-of-eight with a then Australian record and personal best of 10.91 before improving that mark to 10.83 in the final to cross third behind the formidable Jason Smyth (IRL, first, 10.64).
We spoke to @chadperris after his #Bronze medal and new PB in the 100m sprint, he's quite the showman! https://t.co/YBUzufu4nK
— 7TWO (@7TWOAU) September 9, 2016
Keefer competed in the F41 shot put for women of short stature, with the Queensland Academy of Sport athlete throwing her best mark of 8.16m in round one to ensure her spot on the dais. Her series also included performances of 7.91m, 7.44m, as Raoua Tilli (TUR, 10.19m) won gold.
Both Perris and Keefer are Paralympic Games debutants.
Ella Pardy (WA) also ran well on day two of athletics, clocking 13.22 to place sixth in the final of the T38 100m for athletes with cerebral palsy. In the women’s T44 long jump final for leg amputees, Sarah Walsh (NSW), soared to 4.82m to place 6th overall.
Australian Paralympic Team captain, Kurt Fearnley (NSW), who is competing at his fifth Paralympics, also made his first appearance on track. Taking line honours in his heat of the men’s T54 wheelchair 5000m, he will now start in the final alongside winner of the first heat Marcel Hug (SUI).
Captain, leader, legend. Hear from @KurtFearnley after his race. #WeBelieve #Rio2016 WATCH https://t.co/qDmQBsubfi https://t.co/hWgIiwhhir
— 7TWO (@7TWOAU) September 9, 2016
Competition continues late this evening AEST, with sprinter Gabriel Cole (SA), wheelchair racer Angela Ballard (NSW) and the reigning F20 shot put champion Todd Hodgetts (Vic) among those to start.
For more information on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, please visit the Rio Rumba hub at athletics.com.au.
