On the opening day of the Oceania Athletics Championships in Mackay, Australia, Paralympian #211 Danielle Aitchison has started strong with a bronze medal in the 100m sprint. Danielle, who has cerebral palsy and competes in the T36 classification, last competed internationally at Tokyo 2020. In the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Danielle won bronze in the 100-metre event, like today, as well as winning silver in the 200-metre event (both in the T36 classification).

An elated Danielle spoke to Athletics New Zealand (opens a new tab)’s Steve Landells after completing the race in a time of 14.51 seconds.

Danielle explained that a back injury meant that today’s result wasn’t a given.

“I had COVID a month ago… a lot of things have happened! It was “just run” and see what I can produce. I had no aim because of COVID and back pain now.”

The Oceania Athletics Championships are the biggest event of 2022 for Oceania Para athletics athletes, as the planned Kobe 2022 Para Athletics World Championships have been cancelled due to COVID.

The 11-strong contingent from New Zealand will be looking to prove their credentials in this return to international competition.

Also sprinting today were NZ Para athletes Mitch Joynt, Joe Smith, Jaxon Woolley, Joshua Lush, Sionann Murphy and Paddy Walsh. A summary of their times and results is below. For Paddy Walsh (T64) and Joe Smith (T37), today was their international debut representing New Zealand.

Track events continue tomorrow for the Para athletes with the 200-metre events. The Championships run until Saturday 11 June, with New Zealand Para athletes competing each day.

Results are posted live at https://liveresults.qldathletics.org.au/oceania/2022/2022%20Oceania%20Championships/ (opens a new tab)

Live stream:

Summary of results – day 1