Paralympic medallist Louzanne Coetzee achieved a significant milestone for South Africa by winning the country’s first medal at the World Para Athletics Championships in France.
Coetzee secured the silver medal in the women’s 1,500m T11 event with a time of 4:48.13.
The gold medal went to Nancy Chelangat Koech of Kenya, while the bronze was claimed by Mary Waithera Njoroge, also from Kenya.
The World Para Athletics Championships, held every two years, is regarded as the second most important sporting event in the disabled sports calendar after the Paralympic Games.
Coetzee and her guide, Estean Badenhorst, finished second in their heat on Sunday, securing their spot in Monday’s final.
This achievement adds to Coetzee’s previous success at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2021, where she won silver in the women’s 1,500m T11 event and bronze in the Marathon T12 category.
The World Para Athletics Championships hold immense significance for athletes as they strive to qualify for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Finishing in the top four or better ensures qualification for one slot.
Coetzee, who was born with Leber congenital amaurosis, a condition that causes undeveloped retinas and vision loss, continues to defy barriers and inspire others through her remarkable athletic journey.
