Marissa Papaconstantinou managed to maintain her focus and secure a bronze medal at the Para athletics world championships in India despite a lengthy bus ride to the stadium caused by heavy traffic.
Having qualified third in her heat earlier in the day, the Canadian sprinter finished third in the women’s 100-meter T64 final, crossing the line in 13.06 seconds in New Delhi. This achievement marks Canada’s second medal at the championships, following wheelchair racer Austin Smeenk’s bronze in the men’s 400 T34 final earlier in the week.
Papaconstantinou, who also won bronze in the same event at the previous Paralympics in Tokyo, faced a two-hour bus journey to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. Despite the delay, she managed to swiftly prepare for the competition upon arrival, showcasing her determination and resilience.
Following the race, Papaconstantinou acknowledged that it was not a flawless performance for her but expressed satisfaction with her podium finish despite the challenges, including the extended commute to the venue. The sprinter highlighted her gratitude for being back on the podium and emphasized her positive outlook on the result.
The women’s 100m T64 final saw Papaconstantinou being surpassed only by the world record holder and the two most recent athletes to hold the world championship mark, with Fleur Jong of the Netherlands clinching the top spot with a time of 12.29 seconds, followed by Marlene van Gansewinkel in second place with 12.86 seconds.
Papaconstantinou, who set a new Canadian record in July, is set to compete in the women’s 200 T64 event on the final day of the championships. Looking ahead, she expressed excitement about the upcoming race, emphasizing her dedicated training and preparation for the event throughout the year.
With her sights set on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, Papaconstantinou, who began her Para athletic journey at age 11 after receiving her first running blade, continues to strive for excellence in her career. Her impressive international debut in Doha, Qatar, where she secured seventh place in the 200m and eighth place in the 100m, laid the foundation for her successful athletic endeavors.
