media_artricles :: 2017

Akeem captures javelin gold at World Para Games

AKEEM Stewart has done it again! Stewart broke his own world record on his way to gold in the men's javelin F44 event at the London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships, yesterday.

His accomplishment follows the gold medal he won at the 2016 Rio Paralympics with a world record of 57.32m. 

On his second attempt yesterday Stewart threw the spear 57.61m to break the world record and finish on top. On his first attempt he threw the spear 54.68m, 56.85m on his fourth attempt and 56.64 on his sixth and final attempt. Stewart fouled his third and fifth attempts. Grabbing silver was Helgi Sveinsson of Iceland with a top throw of 56.74m, while Canadian Alister McQueen earned bronze with an effort of 55.72m. 

Stewart's father Wayne was excited that his son won another gold medal. "I am really glad, I am really, really glad," Wayne said. 

Asked what has led to Akeem's consistency, Wayne said Akeem is a focused athlete who prepares well for tournaments. "He understands that this (tournament) just finish and another one coming, and it takes time to prepare and to be ready. Barring injuries and the minor shortcomings, you have to know when to rest, when to pull back and step it up again. Hard work, dedication and focus." Akeem finished fifth in the men's discus F44 final with a top throw of 56.53m on Sunday. His father said he was not disappointed as Akeem has been experiencing elbow and toe problems, with the latter being pivotal in having a good performance in the discus event. 

"No he was not disappointed (after the discus). He had a problem with his toe and with the discus he has to spin around. He said that was the problem." Stewart's gold medal is TT's second medal at the Championships after Nyoshia Cain snatched bronze in the women's 100m T44 final on Monday. 

National Association of Athletics Administrations president Ephraim Serrette praised Stewart and Cain for their efforts. Serrette said, "Both athletes continue to perform well on the international stage both at the Para Championships as well as the Paralympics. 

It is good to see that track and field is continuing to dominate and bring that kind of glory for Trinidad and Tobago." Jabari Knights represented TT in the men's 200m T54 event yesterday. Knights missed a spot in the final after finishing ninth (last) in heat two of round one. 

Cain will be next TT representative to compete when she lines up in the women's 200m T43/44 event on Saturday. 

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