A Memorable Debut for Rabat in the World Para Athletics Calendar
The third World Para Athletics Grand Prix of the season took place in Rabat, Morocco, marking a significant moment as it was the first time the Moroccan capital hosted such an event, succeeding Marrakech, which had been a staple in the WPA calendar. Over three days, the competition was filled with exhilarating performances, highlighted by the establishment of several regional records and a notable world record, showcasing the incredible talent of athletes from around the globe.
Brazil Dominates the Medal Tally Amidst Record-Setting Performances
Brazil emerged as the standout nation, clinching an impressive 38 gold medals out of a total of 57, followed closely by China with 14 golds and the host nation, Morocco, securing eight gold medals. The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with 439 athletes, comprising 299 men and 140 women from 57 different countries, competing fiercely and living up to the high expectations set. Notable performances included Japan’s Yudai Shimazu, who set a new world record in the men’s 5000m T13 with a remarkable time of 14:03.45 during his Grand Prix debut. In addition to this, five other regional records were established, including a stunning performance by Brazilian athlete Maria Clara Augusto Da Silva, who achieved a golden treble in her first participation at a WPA Grand Prix in Africa.
The competition was further enlivened by the thrilling rematch in the women’s 400m T47 final, where reigning Paralympic champion, Fernanda Yara Da Silva, secured a silver medal behind Augusto Da Silva, who also claimed gold in both the women’s 100m and 200m T46/T47 events, setting a new Americas record in the 100m with a time of 14.63 seconds. The event also saw two-time Paris Paralympic champion Jerusa Geber shine brightly, winning gold medals in both the women’s 100m T11 and 200m T11, demonstrating her prowess in the sport after a three-year hiatus from competing in Morocco.
Among other Brazilian athletes, three-time Paralympic gold medallist Petrucio Ferreira dos Santos delivered an impressive performance, securing the gold medal in the men’s 100m T47 by finishing ahead of Morocco’s Aymane El Haddaoui. Despite El Haddaoui’s silver in the 100m, he triumphed in the men’s 400m T47, echoing his status as the reigning Paralympic champion. Ferreira dos Santos expressed optimism for the future, stating his focus on quality training in preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, emphasizing the importance of addressing small details for optimal performance.
On the African front, Tunisia’s eight-time Paralympic champion Raoua Tlili shined brightly, winning gold in the women’s discus throw F40/41 with a throw of 33.88m, although she faced stiff competition and settled for silver in the women’s shot put F41 behind China’s Nana Xie. Meanwhile, Raja Jebali, the Paris 2024 bronze medallist, secured gold in the women’s shot put F40, throwing 8.26m. In the men’s events, Yassine Guenichi, a two-time world champion, claimed gold in the men’s shot put F36 with a throw of 16.46m, while Colombian athlete Mauricio Valencia also made headlines, taking home gold and bronze in the men’s shot put and javelin F34, respectively.
As the inaugural Rabat Grand Prix wraps up, the excitement continues with the WPA Grand Prix set to move to Europe for the Nottwil GP from May 21-23, before returning to Africa for the Tunis GP in June. This season will also feature the all-women’s Olomouc 2026 in July, culminating in a grand finale in Cali, Colombia, in September.
As reported by paralympic.org.
