Angie Ballard of the Sydney Uni Athletics Club is the 400m world champion after triumphing in the women’s T53 400m at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in Qatar.
Chasing this elusive title since 2008, world record holder Ballard clocked 57.47 to defeat Chinese pair Hongzhuan Zhou and Lisha Huang. The result adds to the gold medal she also won in the T53 200m on the opening night of competition.
After eight previous attempts, the veteran of the Australian para-athletics team revealed to Athletics Australia just how much this race meant.
“This is the one I wanted. I was so nervous coming in, you try and tell yourself that the worst thing that can happen is a loss and starting again tomorrow, but the reality is that this matters so much. I was so scared before the race, perhaps it gave me the adrenalin to get it done. I’ve just worked so hard for this for so long.”
Coached by Louise Sauvage, Ballard completed her program in Doha last night taking third in the Women’s 800m T53 race. Ballard was leading at half way but got overhauled right in the final few metres from her fast finishing training partner Madison de Rosario.
The championships conclude on 31 October.
