In order to secure the top podium in Paris on Monday, Sumit Antil of India successfully defended his Paralympic javelin gold medal and set a new Games record. During the tournament, Antil’s throw of 70.59 meters, which he recorded on his second try, was the highest throw of all time.
Antil had an outstanding effort in the final, breaching the 70-meter barrier to surpass his initial throw of 69.11 meters and setting a new Paralympic record in the F64 category. With a third throw of 66.66 meters, he demonstrated his continued great form.
Antil concluded the competition with strong throws of 69.04 meters in his fifth attempt and 66.57 meters in his sixth, despite a foul on his fourth attempt. Nobody other was able to surpass the 70-meter mark.
Dulan Kodithuwakku of Sri Lanka won the silver medal with a best throw of 67.03 meters, while Michal Burian took home the bronze with a best throw of 64.89 meters.
The 26-year-old Sonipat, Haryana, native broke his own Paralympic mark of 68.55 meters, which he had established three years prior while taking home the gold in Tokyo.
Amazingly, Antil’s world record stands at 73.29 meters.
He becomes the second athlete from India to successfully defend a Paralympic title, after shooter Avani Lekhara.
Athletes with lower limb disabilities, such as those who compete with prosthetic limbs or have different leg lengths, are classified in the F64 category.
