Victorian Kelly Cartwright has this evening smashed the F42 long jump world record for leg amputees, leaping 4.19m to win Australia’s first gold medal at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Cartwright could not have been happier with her result after a disappointing international debut at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and surgery on the remainder of her amputated leg only months ago.

“I don’t think it’s settled in, not only a gold medal but a world record, it’s just unbelievable,” Cartwright said.

“I can’t thank my coach Tim Matthews enough, only months ago I was in hospital recovering from surgery and I’ve always had my heart set on New Zealand - to come here and get not just a medal but a world record is just amazing!”

Competing alongside the now former world record holder Vanessa Low (GER) who placed fourth (3.47m, w: 0.0), Cartwright was joined on the podium by Dutch silver medallist Marije Smits (3.73m, w: +0.2) and bronze medal winner Ewa Zielinska (3.62m, w: +0.2) of Poland.

Opening her account with a Championship Record 3.74m (w: +0.1), 21-year-old Cartwright soared 7cm beyond the previous world mark (4.12m) in the second round before closing out her six available jumps with a foul, 3.34m (w: +0.7), 3.53m (w: +0.2) and 3.62m (w: +1.2).

“I thought I started slow and that wasn’t ideal since I was up against the world record holder in Vanessa, but my second jump just felt right,” Cartwright said.

“I got a bit tired toward the end, so I guess I am lucky to get that great jump out in the early rounds.”

Joined on the runway today by her training partner Michelle Errichiello who placed sixth (3.29m), the duo will now have two days to prepare for the T42 100m dash this Tuesday, January 25 at 2:20pm AEDST.

“I’m really looking forward to my 100m now, I’ll be looking for a PB and if I get one that will be great.”

A full review of today’s Australian results will follow at the conclusion of competition at 7:45pm AEDST.