Australians out in force in Nottwil

Australians were out in force at the 2019 World Para-athletics Grand Prix in Nottwil, Switzerland, this weekend (24-26 May).

Among the winners on day one of competition were Chad Perris in the men’s 100m T13 (11.00) and men’s 200m T13 (22.28), Madison de Rozario in the women’s 800m T53 (1:50.09) and Rosemary Little in the women’s 800m T33 (2:47.05). Commonwealth Games medallist Eliza Ault-Connell broke her own Oceania record in the women’s 800m T54 (1:45.08), finishing in fifth place.

Day two saw a tactical victory by de Rozario in the women’s 1500m T54, overcoming arch-rival Tatyana McFadden (USA). McFadden is the reigning Paralympic and world champion in the event, and jointly holds the world record with de Rozario.

Gold medals also went to Ault-Connell in the women’s 100m T54 (16.99), Perris in the men’s 100m T13 (11.02), Little in the women’s 100m T33 (23.40), Vanessa Low in the women’s long jump T61 (5.26m), Rheed McCracken in the men’s 100m T34 (15.75) and Sam McIntosh in the men’s 100m T52 (18.09).

On the final day of competition, Ault-Connell and de Rozario both notched Australian records – Ault-Connell in the women’s 400m T54 (53.37) and de Rozario in the women’s 5000m T53 (10:59.05)

Former world record holder Angie Ballard was also impressive with a quick 55.28 for second in the women’s 400m T53.

By Athletics Australia
Posted: 30/05/2019