Para athletes shine at Tunis Grand Prix

Samwel Mushai (centre) in a past action. [File]

The Para athletes are aiming to stamp authority ahead of the World Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan in May and the grand showdown this year - the Paris Paralympics.

Samwel Mushai, the T11 Paralympic gold medallist (2016) oozed class in the 5000m T11 leading Kenyan charges to a 1-2 finish.

Mushai was followed by Wilson Bii, who bagged bronze in 5000 T11 at the 2016 Paralympics.

He stopped the timer in 16:46.29 while Bii settled in the runner-up position in 16:62.53.

"I am now looking forward to competing in Kobe and ultimately at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The training will be harder ahead of the international competitions," Mushai said after the win.

Francisco Taboada of Switzerland came in third in a time of 19:49.70 in the men's 5000m T11 contest.

John Wambua secured the top spot in the men's 5000m T54 competition, running 18:02.

The squad also managed podium places in the sprints, with Emmanuel Bett finishing third in the men's 100m T44/62/64.

Bett crossed the finishing mark behind race winner Italy's Francesco Loragno and runner-up Nour Alsana of Saudi Arabia.

In the women's 100m T53/54, Caroline Wanjira, like Bett, took the third place in the contest won by Amal Sabi of Tunisia. Lamia Benkrama of Algeria finished second.

Kenyan women dominated the 1500m T11 on Wednesday, the second day of the Para Athletics Grand Prix.

Reigning World Paralympic 1500m T11 champion Nancy Chelangat led Mary Waithera to first and second places respectively; the duo firing warning shots ahead of the two global showdowns.

Chelangat, who won silver in Rio 2016 and silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics clocked 5:00.83 while Waithera settled in second in 5:00.44, with Joanna Mazur of Poland closing the podium in 5:09.44.

“The training in Kaptagat and Eldoret prepared me well for the Tunis Grand Prix. I am aiming to fly the country’s flag this year,” said Chelangat.

Nelly Nasimiyu settled in the second runner-up place in the 1500m T12/13 the same position as Wesley Sang in the 1500m T46.

John Lokedi who is keen on racing in Kobe and Paris finished fourth in the 1500m T13/20 event.

Caroline Wanjira delivered a second place in a tactical race won by Algeria’s Saliha Taleb.

By yesterday, Kenyan Para athletes had bagged five gold medals, four silver and three bronze in the three-day hot contest.

Hosts Tunisia was on the lead with 12 gold, seven silver and six bronze. Kenya was in fourth place ahead of the conclusions of the show last evening.

Team coach Henry Kirwa said the team to Tunis was in top shape.