Congratulations to Dorval native Brent Lakatos, the Canadian wheelchair racer who has represented Canada at various international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships, on earning his 12th career gold medal at the Para Athletics World Championships. His record-breaking performance in the men's T53 800-metre final is truly impressive.
Lakatos' victory showcases his skill and determination as he crossed the finish line in an event record time of one minute 34.31 seconds. Holding off his Thai opponent, Pongsakorn Paeyo, in the final 100 metres, Lakatos secured his 18th world medal, which includes four silver and two bronze medals.
This victory marks Canada's first gold medal at the event and contributes to their total of 10 medals, consisting of five silver and four bronze, making it their best showing since 2015 with 11 podium finishes.
Paeyo, who had previously won the 400-metre gold in world record time, clocked a strong time of 1:34.39 in the 800-metre race.
Brent Lakatos is a Canadian wheelchair racer who has represented Canada at various international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships. His accomplishments contribute to inspiring and raising awareness about para sports and the abilities of athletes with disabilities.
Lakatos' outstanding performance at the London 2017 World Championships, where he won gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m races, highlights his dominance in the men's T53 class. It's a remarkable feat to be among the select few Para athletes who have won four gold medals at a single championship.
His world record-breaking performances in Switzerland, particularly in the men's 1,500m T53/54 event, demonstrate Lakatos' exceptional form and ability to push boundaries in wheelchair racing.
The turning point in Lakatos' career came during the London 2012 Paralympic Games, where he secured silver and two bronze medals. From there, his success continued with four golds and a silver at the Lyon 2013 World Championships, along with setting a new 100m T53 world record.
His ongoing achievements at the Parapan Am Games, Doha World Championships, Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, and London Stadium World Championships, including his clean sweep of individual titles, solidify his status as a top-tier para athlete.
