‘Emotional’ Weyers celebrates magical night on the track

Competing at her third Paralympics, sprinter Anrune Weyers broke into a shower of emotions after securing top spot on the podium for the first time at the Tokyo Games.

Weyers, the world record holder in the women’s T47 400m event, stormed to a convincing victory in 56.05 seconds in the final on Saturday.

Though she was nearly half-a-second outside her global best of 55.60, set in August 2019, the 28-year-old South African finished well clear of Venezuela’s Lisbeli Vera Andrade, who took second place in 57.32.

“Last night was magical on the track, and I’m really grateful and emotional,” Weyers, who was born with a congenital defect in her left arm, said on Sunday.

“I really wish my family was here, but I’m sending lots of love back home and I’m thankful to everyone who supported me on this journey.”

Meanwhile, double amputee Ntando Mahlangu was equally delighted with his result after joining Weyers as they secured the SA team’s first medals of the Tokyo showpiece.

Mahlangu launched a massive 7.17m leap to break the world record in the T61 class, winning gold in the men’s T61/63 long jump final, with Leon Schaefer of Germany grabbing the silver medal (7.12m) in a battle that went down to the wire.

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The 19-year-old South African, who earned 200m silver at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio, bagged his first career gold medal at the Games.

He thanked the host nation for their hospitality at the multi-sport spectacle in Tokyo, which was being held behind closed doors after being suspended last year due to the Covid pandemic.

“I dedicate this medal to the people of Japan. I love how they’ve welcomed us here and given us the opportunity to compete,” Mahlangu said.

“I wasn’t expecting a gold, but I think someone had other plans, so I’m grateful.”