Para athlete Dinesh Priyantha Herath who won a gold medal at the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020 and also established a new world record in the javelin throw was unfortunate to win only a bronze medal this time.
He and Samitha Kodithuwakku who also took part in the javelin throw event in different age categories, clinched a bronze medal at the World Para Athletic Championship held at the Olympic Stadium in Paris, France and returned home on Wednesday (19).
A gold medal performance was expected from Herath but unfortunately he had sustained an injury to his right leg after a fall at the hotel before the event.
“I was very uncomfortable with the ankle injury and missed out on the gold or silver medal by falling short by just 3 cm. I never even expected to win the bronze with my condition,” said Herath.
Lt. Col. Deepal Herath president of the National Para athletic Council said that the three Para athletes who went for the championship performed very well and it was unfortunate that Herath failed to win the gold medal. Pradeep Somasiri who competed in the 1500m finished with a better timing and has also obtained direct qualification for the next Paralympic Games to be held at this same stadium in Paris next year.
Samitha Kodithuwakku finished in third place with a throw of 64.06m to win the bronze medal participating in the F-64 event. (TBR)