Medal success out of reach for McCracken and Anderson

Australia’s hunt for medals proved to be elusive on day seven of the World Para-athletics Championships, with only two athletes taking to the track and field at London Stadium.

Bundaberg’s Rheed McCracken (QLD) was set to be a heavy weight in the 800m T34 after claiming bronze at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, but crossed the line in fourth place (1:46.98) narrowly missing out on a medal by 0.38s.

Having placed fifth in the same event at the last world championships, McCracken said although it would have been great to add another medal to his collection, he was happy to take the event as a learning opportunity. 

“I’m happy with how I went in the race. My coach (Andrew Dawes) and I haven’t done a whole lot of work on the 800m, with my 100m event being the focus,” McCracken said.

“I was hoping to sneak through to win a medal, but the guys out there were all really strong.

“It was a slow race, but I know I’ve got to be smarter in terms of strategy, which is something that didn’t happen tonight. The first 600m was pretty bumpy, and then I struggled to push through for a better place in the last few hundred metres.”

McCracken will now place his focus on the 200m T34, taking place tomorrow.  

Competing in her second event, but first medal event of the championships, Rae Anderson (NSW) put her strength into the F37 discus, placing fifth with a throw of 20.04m.

Having competed yesterday, in a closed, unticketed session, Anderson was thrilled to have her family in the crowd watching her.

“I love that I had mum out here in the crowd tonight seeing me compete at my best. I could hear everyone cheer around me, which was really nice,” Anderson said.

“I’m happy with my throws tonight. I know I can throw those big distances with some of the best in the world, and I know they are getting better with each competition, so it’s just a matter of time.”

Day eight of the World Para-Athletics Championships will see Australians compete in five finals, including 5-time Paralympic gold medallist Evan O’Hanlon vying for the 100m T38 world title, as well as London 2017 world champion James Turner go for his second gold in the 400m T36.

With three more days of competition, Australians at home can catch the action via a live stream at www.paralympic.org.au/ParaSportLive

To view races from today, visit www.paralympic.org.au/Para-Sport-Vod

Each video will be uploaded within 1-2 hours of the session’s completion.