CLARKE BREAKS RECORD AS WEST AUSSIES PUT ON A SHOW IN PARIS

The 2023 Paris World Para Athletics Championships have concluded with Australia’s best producing record-breaking performances including WA’s Rhiannon Clarke collecting a new Australian record and Silver medal in the T38 400m, and top five performances for Ella Pardy, Sarah Edmiston and Chad Perris.

Rhiannon Clarke (Danny Kevan) basked in her busy schedule with five appearances across the Championships to collect the state’s sole Championship medal in the T38 Women’s 400m final on the final day of competition.

At only 20 years old, Clarke claimed what can only be described as her most satisfying silver medal at a major Championship. Entering the home straight in third place, Rhiannon rallied in a truly inspiring performance to claim the silver and set a new Australian and Oceanic record with a time of 1:02.36.

“I was going into today quite nervous, thinking that maybe there was a chance for bronze, I was not expecting silver! I felt like I was running on cloud nine, it was so amazing.” Said Clarke.

“I knew once I reached the straight that I was guaranteed a medal, but I found something within me. I could hear my coach in my ear screaming at me to keep those knees up and that’s what I did.”

Clarke’s podium was made even sweeter as it followed a week of impressive performances in the T38 100m and 200m finals. Returning to the World Championships for the second time, Clarke collected fourth in both the 100m and 200m, running 12.91 (0.2) in the 100m to equal her Australian and Oceania record. While in the 200m final,  the UWA Athlete once again pulled together a strong race to claim fourth in 27.10 (-0.3).

Training partner and Australian Para Team stalwart Ella Pardy (Danny Kevan) also impressed throughout the Championships. Collecting fifth in both the T38 100m and 200m finals, Pardy showed a level of class with the nine-time Australian representative running 13.10 (0.20) in the T38 finals, to set her fastest ever 100m time at a major Championships. Pardy completed her campaign with the T38 200m to cross the line 27.41 (-0.3).

10 years after his debut at the 2013 Lyon World Para Athletics Championships, Chad Perris (Matt Beckenham) made light work of the opening round in the T13 100m. Setting a T38 100m Australian and Oceania record of 10.65 (1.6) earlier in the season, Perris was primed to take on the World’s best in Paris. In a stellar, yet equally heartbreaking final for the White Tiger, Perris ended up 0.01 of a second short of securing his fourth World Para Championships medal, crossing the line in 13.87 (-0.7).

"It’s really tough but there was a medal left for the taking and when I look back on the journey of the last 18 months, I am really happy with where I’ve gone with my coach Matt Beckenham and we really have really enjoyed this time. I think this is going to spur me on for Paris next year.” Said Perris.

"This season has been incredibly successful. I’ve run the fastest I’ve ever run this season and had just about more fun than ever. I’ll continue doing that in the lead up to World Championships next year and onto Paris in September.”

Sarah Edmiston (Paul Edmiston) showed her class out in the field with the West Australian looking to return to the World Championship podium for the third time. The Australian record holder launched a highly competitive 35.11m in the F64 Discus final to place fourth just two metres shy of the podium.

WA got a glimpse into the future of Para Athletics with Jackson Hamilton (Morgan Ward) making his debut for Australia in the F12/13 Javelin. The UWA athlete produced an impressive performance to throw 58.41m and place seventh. Hamilton’s throw highlights he is unfazed by the world stage with his best throw just 0.19m shy of equaling his Australian and Oceanic record.

Australian favourite and 2022 SportsWest Sports Star of The Year Madison De Rozario (Louise Sauvage) was unfortunately unable to complete the T53 5000m Final, although she was reportedly healthy post-event.

Australia’s 39-strong team produced an admirable performance with the country collecting three world titles and 14 medals at the 2023 Paris World Para Athletics Championships. Australia’s para-athletes have illuminated a bright future and unveiled a crop of burgeoning talent, now entrusted with returning the nation to Paralympic powerhouse status.

By Dylan Gane and David Smith

Additional Reporting by Athletics Australia

Photo Credit Athletics Australia

Posted on 19 July 2023