Despite breaking world record five times in the day, javelin thrower Sumit Antil believes he can go farther than 68.55m feat that clinched him gold at Tokyo Paralympics
Sumit Antil competes in the javelin throw event at the Tokyo Paralympics yesterday. Pic/PTI
Breaking the world record five times on his way to gold in the Paralympics did not suffice for reluctant-wrestler-turned-javelin-thrower Sumit Antil and the Indian vowed to better what was already an incredible performance by every yardstick.
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Antil, 23, clinched India’s second gold at the ongoing Paralympics here on Monday, shattering the men’s F64 category world record multiple times in a stunning Games debut performance of 68.55m.
He was a wrestler prior to a motorcycle accident that resulted in his left leg being amputated, before life smiled on him and a new avenue opened up. “I met with an accident and had my leg amputated. After that, life changed. I went to the stadium just to meet people in 2015, and I saw para athletes. They said, ‘You have good height and posture, maybe you can be in the next Paralympics’. Who knew I would be the next champion?”
Antil did become a champion on Monday at the sport’s grandest stage. “This is my first Paralympics and I was a little nervous because the competitors are great. I was hoping for a 70m-plus throw, maybe I can do 75m. It was not my best, I am very happy to break the world record.”
Antil sent the spear to 68.55m in his fifth attempt, which was the best of the day and a new world record. In fact, he bettered the previous world record of 62.88m, also set by him, five times on the day. His series read 66.95, 68.08, 65.27, 66.71, 68.55 and foul.
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