Border wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn from Gordon, has made history by winning her first Paralympic gold medal. She claimed the top spot in the T53 100m event at Stade de France with a remarkable performance. Kinghorn, who had previously won silver in the 800m and 1500m races, crossed the finish line ahead of Swiss athlete Catherine Debrunner, setting a new Paralympic record with a time of 15.64 seconds.
This victory is particularly special as Kinghorn became the first non-Chinese athlete to win this title since Tanni Grey-Thompson achieved the feat 20 years ago in Athens. Overwhelmed with emotions, tears of joy filled her eyes as she greeted her family in the stands and dedicated the win to her brother on his birthday.
In an interview following her historic win, Kinghorn expressed her disbelief at her achievement, stating, “I just can’t believe that I’ve done that. It’s honestly absolutely blowing my mind. This one is definitely for my brother.” Her dedication and hard work have been recognized and praised by sportscotland chair Maureen Campbell, who commended Kinghorn for her exceptional performance at the Paralympic Games.
Campbell stated, “Sammi Kinghorn truly deserves this gold medal, adding to her two silvers she has won already. Sammi has performed outstandingly at these Paralympic Games and to come away with three medals and a Paralympic record is sensational. Sammi has put in an extraordinary amount of effort into preparing for these games and truly deserves all the success that she has achieved in Paris. She is a real inspiration to the next generation of athletes.”
Kinghorn’s journey to success serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes, showcasing the power of determination, hard work, and unwavering dedication. Her triumph at the Paralympic Games not only highlights her exceptional athletic abilities but also underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.
As she basks in the glory of her well-deserved victory, Kinghorn continues to inspire individuals around the world, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. Her remarkable achievement will be remembered as a milestone in Paralympic history, solidifying her legacy as a true champion.