Tokyo, Japan, August 27, 2021: Wheelchair racer Tomoki Sato carried the hopes of the host nation on the first day of the Para athletics on Friday, August 27, and he did not disappoint.
Sato, a five-time world champion, won Japan’s first Para athletics gold at the National Stadium in the men’s 400m T52 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and then set his eyes on top prize in the 1500m on Sunday, August 29.
Sato stormed to victory in 55.39 seconds to set a Paralympic record. In a re-run of the Rio 2016 final, he took revenge on USA’s Raymond Martin, who beat him five years earlier.
Martin, 27, crossed the line 0.20 seconds behind in 55.59 with Sato’s teammate Hirokazu Ueyonabaru winning bronze in 59.95.
“Five years after losing to Martin in Rio, I wanted to get revenge in Tokyo and try for the world record,” said the 31-year-old Sato, who took up athletics after watching London 2012.
“I am an athlete who starts to improve in the second half of the race, so I was able to stab it back on the back straight at the end, which I think was exciting and enjoyable for the spectators. I will try to win the world record and the gold medal in the 1500m which is coming up in two days,” Sato added.
China’s gold rush at Tokyo continued on the track and field with Wen Xiaoyan winning the women’s 200m T37, shattering her own world record as she led home a Chinese one-two in 26.58 seconds.
“This record surprises me but from the bottom of my heart I can say I prepared very well through my training and this is the result,” Wen said.
Di Dongdong landed more gold for China in the men’s long jump T11 with USA’s world champion Lex Gillete settling for silver for the fifth consecutive Games.
In the women's 100m T35, China's Zhou Xia won gold clocking a world record of 13.00 to defend her title from Rio 2016.
Compatriot Dong Feixia triumphed in the women's discus F55 with a throw of 26.64 to set a new Asian record.
