In the women’s shot put event at the Para athletics world championships in New Delhi, Katie Pegg from Markham, Ontario, achieved a personal best performance, securing her first medal at the competition. Pegg threw 12.76 meters on her final attempt, clinching the bronze medal with a throw that was eight centimeters longer than her previous best. Competing in the F46 final against ten other athletes, the 21-year-old opened with a throw of 11.48 meters before reaching her peak performance.
Reflecting on her achievement, Pegg expressed her joy and emphasized the hard work that had led to this moment. She mentioned that she approached the competition without putting too much pressure on herself, focusing on enjoying the experience. Surpassing the 12-meter mark for the first time in competition, Pegg exceeded her previous personal best of 11.75 meters and finished 43 centimeters ahead of the fourth-place competitor, Jihen Azaiez from Tunisia.
Pegg credited her success to the dedicated training she underwent with her coach, Jodi Langley, highlighting their collaborative efforts both in the gym and on the field. Her achievement marked a significant milestone for Canada at the championships, making her the first field athlete from the country to claim a medal in India. She joins other Canadian medalists, including Austin Smeenk and Marissa Papaconstantinou, who secured bronze in their respective events earlier in the competition.
In the F46 shot put category, designed for athletes with a single amputation below or above the elbow, Pegg’s remarkable performance stood out among her competitors. Despite facing challenges due to being born without a radial bone in her right forearm, Pegg has shown resilience and determination in pursuing her athletic dreams. Currently studying biology and forensic science at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Pegg’s journey to success has been marked by a passion for sports and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Having made her international debut in February 2024 and representing Canada at various competitions, Pegg’s dedication to shot put has been unwavering. Her journey to the top has been characterized by continuous improvement and a strong work ethic, evident in her consistent performance on the field. As she continues to inspire others with her story of perseverance and achievement, Pegg’s future in athletics looks promising and filled with potential.
