Second Gold for Ireland at IPC Athletics World Championships
January 31st, 2011. In: AthleticsSecond Gold for Ireland at IPC Athletics World Championships
Wexford’s Catherine Wayland collects a second medal in Christchurch, NZ
Catherine Wayland secured Ireland’s second gold medal of the IPC Athletics World Championships when she took top spot in the F51 Discuss in Christchurch, New Zealand today.
Wayland from New Ross in Wexford added gold to the Club throw silver she won last Saturday with a seasons best performance of 5.89m.
Following the presentation of her gold medal, Wayland said, “Everything has come together for me performance wise here in New Zealand. I could never have imagined coming away from the World Championships with a gold and a silver medal ”
Irish Team Manager, James Nolan commented, “Catherine carried the confidence gained from her silver medal win in the club into the discus event today, improving on her seasons best. This has been a magnificent Championships for Catherine and the Irish team”
European champion Orla Barry just missed out on a podium finish in the F57 Discuss throw event. The Cork woman’s throw of 28.95m, the third best of her career, left her fourth overall
After the event Barry said, “I am happy with the distance but naturally disappointed to miss out on a major championship medal. Its head down now and focus on a podium position at the Paralympic Games in London”
Yesterday Michael McKillop broke his own world record by 0.49sec in setting a new T37 800m world record of 1.58.90 when he claimed the Irish team’s first gold medal of the Championships.
The Irish Team in New Zealand made up of eight athletes has delivered two gold medals, one silver medal and two world records.
PICTURES AVAILABLE FROM SPORTSFILE
Top Irish Team Performances
Athlete Class Event Performance Result
Catherine Wayland F51 Club Throw 13.56m Silver Medal
Michael McKillop T37 1500m 4.14.81 New World Record (non medal event)
Michael McKillop T37 800m 1.58.90 Gold Medal / New World Record
Catherine Wayland F51 Discus 5.89m Gold Medal (seasons best)
Orla Barry F57 Discus 28.95m 4th
For further information contact:
John Fulham, Communications Officer, Paralympics Ireland
T: 087 270 9182
E: communications@paralympics.ie
David O’Síocháin, Pembroke Communications
T: 087 936 2440
E: david@pembrokecomms.ie
Also visit:
www.paralympics.ie
www.london2012.com
INFO SOURCE - Paralympics Ireland. - www.paralympics.ie