One down, five to go for McFadden
22.07.2013The American T54 wheelchair racer is targeting six world titles at the IPC Athletics World Championships.
“I’m going to back after this and rest for the 5,000m. I’ll try to stay relaxed and hydrated.”
USA’s Tatyana McFadden landed her first of a possible six gold medals at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France on Sunday (21 July) morning when she retained her world title in the 200m T54.
McFadden, who won three golds at London 2012, led home a strong field in 28.69 seconds and this evening will try double her medal tally when she races in the 5,000 final.
Even though she is competing every day at this Championship, the 24-year-old said she went all out to secure victory despite the fact only six hours separate her 200m and 5,000m finals.
“I did not ease up,” said McFadden who at the last World Championships won six medals, winning four golds. “As it’s really hot and humid I slipped off the start but I had to focus on my finish after that .Because the start already happened I had to really focus on the final 150m.
“I’m going to back after this and rest for the 5,000m. I’ll try to stay relaxed and hydrated.”
McFadden only arrived in Lyon on Thursday after attending the ESPY awards in Los Angeles, USA and said so far jetlag is not affecting her performances.
“I don’t have to time to feel it right now. I just have to focus on competing and not feeling tired.”
The 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships, featuring over 1,000 athletes from nearly 100 countries, runs through until Sunday 28 July. It is the biggest gathering of international athletes since London 2012 and is being streamed each day live via www.ParalympicSport.TV.
Live results can be found at the Lyon 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships website whilst updates and behind the scenes pictures can be found at twitter.com/IPCAthletics and facebook.com/IPCAthletics.