Posted: July 8, 2005

Athletics: Canada wins four medals in track and field at world championships for athletes with cerebral palsy

NEW LONDON, Connecticut- Chelsea Clark of Mississauga, Ont., led Canada’s track and field team to a gold and three silver medals to highlight an eight-medal performance for the Canadian team Thursday at the 38-country multi-sport world championships for athletes with cerebral palsy.

Clarke won the gold medal in the women’s T34 category wheelchair 100-metre sprint clocking 19.21 seconds finishing ahead of teammate Chelsea Lariviere of Ottawa who took the silver. Christy Campbell of Kitchener, Ont., was fourth.

"I heard the gun, saw Chelsea Lariviere beside me and I pulled out in front,” said Clarke, the world record holder in the event. “I knew the competition wasn't far behind me, so I had to pick up the pace."

Joe Radmore of Kemptville, Ont., added a silver in the men’s T34 100 metre with a time of 20.46 more than a second off his world record. Lachlan Jones of Australia won the race.

"It was my worst race this year,” said Radmore. “I just didn't feel the groove today, and I also had problems with my compensator coming loose."

Canada’s other silver medal on the track was earned by Robert Hughes of Brampton, Ont., in the T33 men’s shotput. Hughes, a member of the 2000 Paralympic team, saw his best toss soar 8.28 metres

"I was a little frustrated because I was called on a fault for lifting off the chair, so my best throw wasn't counted,” said Hughes. “I just tried to block it out and continue to focus on what I know how to do."

Tara Kowalski of Langley, B.C., was the only entry in the women’s T33 400 metre and beat her personal best by 22 seconds clocking 2:06.16, a world championship record. She’ll only find out Friday whether she is awarded a medal for her performance.

"My start felt like lightning,” said Kowalski. “I knew I was going fast, but I didn't know I was going that fast. I felt really strong until the last 100m and then I couldn't breathe because of the wind."

Track and field competition continues through to Sunday.

Source: Canadian Sport News.