Ashlyn Renneberg faced a challenging season in javelin until her final throw on Sunday, setting Canadian and Americas records in the women’s F13 final at the Para athletics world championships in New Delhi. Despite fouling four times in five attempts, Renneberg’s sixth throw of 33.20 meters secured her seventh place out of nine competitors, marking a significant achievement for the Saskatoon native.
Expressing her relief and satisfaction, Renneberg shared, “It’s been a frustrating season, but I’ve been chasing this PB [personal best] for the last how many months now, and it’s very rewarding now to finally hit it, especially at a really big championship like this.” The 20-year-old’s previous personal best was 31.48 meters, achieved in a Grand Prix event in Switzerland in June 2024. Before Sunday, Renneberg’s best throw this season stood at 31.23 meters.
Yuping Zhao of China clinched the gold medal with a season-best throw of 45.22 meters, while Sheilla Wanyoyi of Kenya secured silver with a personal best of 38.63 meters. Anna Kulinich-Sorokina, competing as a neutral Para athlete, claimed the bronze with a throw of 37.74 meters.
Renneberg’s journey in javelin stems from a challenging past, having been diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 13, which resulted in vision loss. Overcoming these obstacles, she found solace and joy in javelin, a sport that combines running and throwing. Coach Tyrell Sawatzky from the Saskatoon Track and Field Club emphasized Renneberg’s potential for a successful career in the sport despite her visual limitations, highlighting her determination and passion for the sport.
In another event, Carleigh Hiltz from Truro, N.S., achieved a personal best throw of 10.27 meters in the women’s shot put F37 final, securing the fifth position. Other Canadian results included Austin Smeenk qualifying for the men’s 400-meter T34 final, Sheriauna Haase and Chloe Dunbar placing fifth in their respective heats, and Noah Vucsics finishing 10th in the men’s long jump T20 final.
Looking ahead, Smeenk is set to compete in the men’s 400 T34 final, aiming to showcase his skills after holding the world record in the event. Additionally, athletes like Julia Hanes, Addisyn Franceschini, and Nick Neri will make their debuts in various events at the world championships, representing Canada with determination and enthusiasm.
