Greg Stewart, hailing from Kamloops, British Columbia, clinched a gold medal in the shot put event at the world Para athletics championships held in New Delhi. Stewart’s winning throw measured 16.68 meters, securing him the top position on the podium.
Although this marked Stewart’s first world title, the 39-year-old athlete is not new to success in this event, boasting two Paralympic gold medals in the same discipline. Following his retirement announcement from competitive sports in 2022 after his triumph at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Stewart made a comeback over a year later due to a yearning for the sport he was passionate about.
Expressing his elation after the victory, Stewart emphasized the significance of competing at a high level following the challenges of the postponement. Rain disruptions forced the rescheduling of several events, pushing Stewart to reset and focus on his gold medal throw.
On the women’s front, Julia Hanes achieved her first world medal by securing the bronze in the F33 shot put final with an impressive throw of 7.51 meters. Hanes highlighted her ability to remain composed under pressure, overcoming chair adjustments and protests to deliver a near personal best performance.
The collective success of Canadian throwers was evident with Stewart’s gold, Pegg’s bronze from the previous day, and Hanes’ bronze adding to the achievements. Additionally, other Canadian athletes showcased commendable performances on Friday across various events, reflecting the country’s strength in Para athletics.
