In the women’s 800m wheelchair exhibition race, fast newcomer Eliza Stankovic claimed the silver medal, narrowly beaten to the line for Gold by Canadian Chantal Petitclerc. “It was a really good race for me tonight. I’m very happy. It was amazing to get out here tonight and compete in front of so many people, I can’t wait to come back here for the Paralympic Games” said Stankovic.

Two time Olympic Gold medalist, Louise Sauvage had to contend with the bronze medal, her first in fifteen years of competition, “Just to be a medalist in this field is amazing. The girls are such great competitors” Sauvage said trackside. Fellow team mate Christie Dawes finished in seventh place not far off the pace.

In the men’s 1500m race Australia’s lone male representative, Kurt Fearnley, took it to the field early, holding the lead for most of the race, but finished in fifth place. Fearnley said following the event that “I’ll have to think about my tactics for when I come back next month to compete in the Paralympic Games, but I’ll be better for the run anyway”.

The four athletes will now head to Switzerland for final preparations before the Athens Paralympic Games commence on 17 September.

Source: Australian Paralympic Committee