(Montreal) Brent Lakatos continued his medal haul at the World Para-Athletics Championships on Friday in Paris. The wheelchair athlete added a silver medal in the 1,500 meters (T53-T54) with his time of 2:52.07, finishing behind Switzerland’s Marcel Hug (2:51.32), who scored a championship record.
Thailand’s Prawat Wahoram (0.86 seconds) completed the trio of medalists in the French capital.
After the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Lakatos had taken a break from competition. The veteran of the Canadian team made his return to the tracks last spring and it is with some astonishment that he finds himself a double silver medalist at these worlds, he who also finished second in the 400m T53 earlier this week.
“(A few weeks ago) I didn’t think I would be able to push Marcel like that and have a silver medal in the final, so yes, it’s going very well and I’m very happy! »
Hug took control of the race from the start, while the Quebecer remained quietly in fourth place. It was just before the sound of the bell announcing the last lap that Lakatos started his acceleration. The 43-year-old tried unsuccessfully to pass the leader on the outside on the penultimate corner, only for the leader to hold on and Lakatos then lined up behind him.
Once in the final straight, Hug was the strongest and shot to his second world title at these Championships.
“I attacked with 500 yards to go. The first 300 was fine, but I was a bit lacking in the last 200. Still, it’s a very good sign for next year (at the Paralympic Games). […] When I came out of the corner with 300 meters to go, my speed was higher than his (Marcel Hug). For my next race, I will know that my top speed may allow me to pass it. »
Lakatos will be in the T53 800m heats on Saturday. Hug will not be in the race, as he is registered in the T54 category.
“Tomorrow (Saturday) I want to win. I’m tired of having silver medals! joked the athlete. “If I’m able to push Marcel in a 1500m, at least I have a chance of winning gold in the 800m against (Pongsakorn) Paeyo who beat me at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo,” he said. concluded.
