Turner finds silver lining with 11th global medal
Published Sun 19 May 2024
Paralympic champion James Turner has clinched Australia’s first medal at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships, earning silver in the Men’s 400m T36 today in Kobe, Japan.
The 27-year-old, who picked up his 11th global medal and his eighth at the World Para Athletics Championships was the favourite for gold, after entering the final as the world record holder and undefeated at the international meet.
Leading the pack as he rounded the final bend, Turner (ACT, Iryna Dvoskina) looked set to repeat the feat, but was chased down in the final 50-metres by trans-Tasman rival Will Stedman (NZ) who took the crown in 53.36, forcing the Australian to settle for second in 53.52.
Falling to the ground in disappointment after the race, Turner said the medal was bittersweet given his potential on the track.
“I hold myself to a pretty high standard, so I am disappointed today but the fire is always there to do more. This is just a stepping stone for me and part of my prep for Paris,” Turner said.
“I was feeling pretty good at the start of that race but coming into the home straight, my legs locked up coming into the cold wind in the home straight. I did all that I could but I feel like I’ve got more to put to down on the track.”
Turner will now return home to Canberra to focus on his final preparations with just 101 days to go until the Paralympic Games in Paris.
“There is no reset required for Paris. This was all part of our plan for our lead up to Paris. This is part of the program, and I’m looking forward to showing what I can do in 100 days at the Paralympics.”
Turner’s result followed on from Australia’s fastest para athlete Chad Perris (ACT, Matt Beckenham) cruising through his 100m T13 heat with ease, clocking 11.29 (-1.1) to finish second as he prepares to reclaim a spot on the podium in tomorrow’s final.
In other results this week, three-time Paralympic medallist Jaryd Clifford (VIC, Philo Saunders) led the way for Australia yesterday, racing to sixth place in the 5000m T13 with a time of 15:15.41 as he makes his return to form after almost a year of injury.
Jaydon Page (ACT, Sebastian Kuzminski) placed a commendable seventh in the 100m T47 in 11.09, with the race marking the Australian record holder’s second global final as he builds towards a second Paralympic Games.
Rio 2016 Paralympic medallist Ella Pardy (WA, Danny Kevan) also progressed to tonight’s Women’s 100m T38, with a run of 13.38 (-0.7), and will be one of two Australians to compete tonight alongside Sam Carter (ACT, Fred Periac) in the 400m T54.
The 2024 World Para Athletics Championships run until Saturday, May 25 with each session available to view live and free via Nine’s online platform, 9now.
By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
