Hannah Cockroft lands another gold medal

Great Britain’s Hannah Cockroft claimed another gold medal for her collection as she powered to victory in the T34 100 metres final at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan.

Cockroft had broken the championship record in her qualifying race, clocking 16.67 seconds, with Fabienne Andre also making it through after a second-placed finish in the other heat.

The 31-year-old seven-time Paralympic champion then pulled clear after a fast start to the final, storming to a 15th world title in a time of 16.89 seconds.

Hanyu Lan took silver for China in 18.95, with Japan’s Moe Onodera claiming bronze just ahead of Andre, who placed fourth in a season’s best 19.42.

Cockroft feels the trip to Kobe will give her an insight into what challenges she is likely to face later this summer at the Paralympics, which start on August 28.

“When I crossed that line, it is a sigh of relief, because I am the one with the target on my back,” Cockroft said in an interview with British Athletics.

“I am the one that everyone is watching with the times. In the call room, everything I did I felt every set of eyes on me. This morning I was the only one wearing a jacket in call – tonight everyone was wearing a jacket.

“It is scary when you know that you are the one being watched, but we have done it for another year.”

Cockroft, who will also compete in the 800m, added: “There is a lot of talent (coming through) – I think in the next few years I am going to have some battles on my hands.

“But hopefully right now I have sent a message that I am pushing strong, am pushing well and am still on the top for now.”

Melanie Woods finished fourth in the T54 1500m final with a time of three minutes and 34.34 seconds.

Earlier on Tuesday, Nathan Maguire safely qualified for the men’s T54 1500m final on Wednesday, finishing second in two minutes 54.70secs.

Cockroft’s gold is the fourth for the Great Britain team in Kobe, following on from Sabrina Fortune (F20 shot), Hollie Arnold (F46 javelin) and Jonathan Broom-Edwards (T64 high jump).

Published: 21/05/2024 by Radio NewsHub