Golden Sprint: James Turner Delivers Australia’s First Gold at Para Athletics Worlds

Australia has struck gold at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, thanks to a blazing performance by Paralympic champion James Turner. The ACT-based sprinter reclaimed his crown in the men’s 400m T36 event, marking his 12th global title and Australia’s first top podium finish of the tournament.

Key highlights from Day 3

1. Turner clocked 52.18 seconds to edge out Russian athlete Kirill Glazyrin by just 0.07 seconds  
2. The win marks a personal redemption for Turner, who lost the title last year to New Zealand’s William Stedman  
3. Turner will compete again in the 100m T36 final on Friday, where he holds the world record  

Other standout performances

- Rheed McCracken secured silver in the men’s 400m T34 with a time of 48.67 seconds, his first world medal since 2019  
- Dayna Crees earned bronze in the seated javelin F34 event, throwing a personal best of 18.97 meters  
- Chad Perris qualified fastest for the 100m T13 final with a time of 10.87 seconds  

Athlete reactions and momentum

- Turner described the race as painful but fulfilling, emphasizing his commitment to reclaiming the title  
- McCracken expressed satisfaction with his performance and is eyeing gold in the upcoming 100m  
- Crees celebrated her national record and added another medal to her growing collection  

Australia’s para athletics team is gaining momentum, with multiple finalists poised for podium finishes in the coming days.

Sources: MSN Australia, Yahoo News, Paralympics Australia