Mitch Joynt wins a bronze medal in the 200m T64 final at the para athletics world championships in Paris. Photo: Athletics NZ
Sprinter Mitch Joynt capped a successful para athletics world championships for New Zealand by securing a bronze medal in the men's T64 200m final to round out the nine-day event.
The 28-year-old Aucklander broke the Oceania record with a time of 23.32 seconds and was able to claim a podium spot when Paralympic champion Sherman Guity of Costa Rica tripped and fell just metres from the finish line.
A medal represented an unexpected but welcome climax to the championships for amputee Joynt and ensured New Zealand finished the event with nine medals - their best haul at a world para athletics championships since 2002.
"A few weeks ago I started to believe more seriously (I could win a medal) and I had a good chance," Joynt said.
"I was ranked somewhere in the middle of the field, but to actually win bronze is pretty surreal.
"I came into Paris this year with quite a lot of confidence having had the best season of my life. I strung a lot of good races together, so to end it with a medal at World Championships and win myself a slot, and more or less guarantee a spot for Paris (Paralympics) next year, is huge - it is what we work for. "
Led by gold medals to shot putter Lisa Adams and sprinter Danielle Aitchison, the seven-strong New Zealand team set or equalled two championship records and posted six Oceania records.
Team leader Raylene Bates said expectations were exceeded.
"I'm absolutely overwhelmed not just by the performances and the results but the way but the way the athletes conducted themselves as a team," she said.
"It has been amazing, our most successful campaign for 21 years. To get nine medals from seven athletes is truly astounding and every single athlete has made the top eight. I'm thrilled for the programme, the athletes and their coaches."
- RNZ
