Canadian athlete Nate Tucker set a new record by winning the men’s 1,500-meter T38 final at the Para athletics world championships in New Delhi. Tucker, a native of Victoria, broke his own championship record with a time of three minutes 57.98 seconds, securing his third world title in the event. During the race, Tucker strategically positioned himself near the front before accelerating on the final lap, ultimately shaving off 3.9 seconds from his previous record set six years ago in Dubai. The silver and bronze medals went to Tunisia’s Amen Allah Tissaoui (3:58.17) and Australia’s Angus Hincksman (3:58.19), respectively.
After his victory, Tucker expressed gratitude towards his coach, Heather Hennigar, emphasizing the team effort behind his success. Previously known as Nate Riech, the 30-year-old also won the 1,500-meter world title in 2023 in Paris before securing a silver at the Paris Paralympics in 2024.
In other Canadian achievements at the championships, sprinter Marissa Papaconstantinou and wheelchair racer Austin Smeenk claimed silver and bronze medals, respectively. Papaconstantinou, from Toronto, earned her first career world silver medal in the women’s 200 T64 final, finishing with a time of 27.07. She mentioned battling health issues but was pleased with her performance. Despite facing challenges due to the weather, Papaconstantinou was satisfied with her overall performance.
Smeenk, a 27-year-old from Oakville, Ont., secured a bronze in the men’s 800 T34 event, finishing behind China’s Wang Yang and Thailand’s Chaiwat Rattana. This marked Smeenk’s second bronze medal at the championships, following his earlier success in the men’s 400 T34 final. Canada wrapped up the competition with a total of nine medals, including three gold, silver, and five bronze.
Additional Canadian results included Renee Foessel from Orangeville, Ontario, placing 5th in the women’s discus throw F38 final, Sheriauna Haase from Toronto finishing 8th in the men’s 200-meter T47 final, and Chloe Dunbar from Newport, Nova Scotia, coming in 6th in the women’s 200 T47 heats.
