Wheelchair racer Brent Lakatos wins silver medal at Paralympic Games

PARIS – Brent Lakatos isn’t going to deny he was going all out to win Canada’s first gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games.

‘’I’m always chasing the gold,’’ said Lakatos after earning a silver medal in the men’s T53 400-metre before a nearly full house at the Stade de France on Sunday night. ‘’But I am happy. I did have a good race personally and that’s all you can do in the 400.’’

It was Canada’s first medal in Para athletics at these Games.

The 44-year-old from Dorval, Que. led for three quarters of the race but world record holder Paeyo Pongsakorn, 27, of Thailand found an extra gear on the last stretch to win the gold for a third straight Games in 46.77 seconds.

Lakatos, competing at his sixth Games, clocked a season’s best 47.24 for the 12th Paralympic Games medal of his career. He has reached the podium at least three times at each of the last three Games.

Brian Siemann, 34, of the U.S. was third in 47.84.

‘’The strategy in the 400 is just to go all out the whole way,’’ said Lakatos, who’ll compete again Monday in the 1500m. ‘’It’s going to be painful but you are going to get to the line eventually.’’

Julia Hanes makes Paralympic Games debut

Julia Hanes of Ottawa made her Paralympic Games debut on Sunday and placed eighth in the women’s T34 wheelchair javelin throw.

‘’I’ve watched all the events at the Stade de France but nothing compares to being on the field and hearing the fans just cheering so loud. It was incredible and I’m already stoked for my shotput event.’’

On Sunday morning wheelchair racer Austin Smeenk of Oakville, Ont. advanced to Monday’s men’s T34 100-m final. He won his heat in 15.38, the fourth best time overall.