Second gold for Latvia at Paralympic Games

Take note – story published 7 years ago

Latvia claimed a second gold medal at the Rio Paralympic Games on September 11 thanks to javelin thrower Diana Dadzite. 

Not only did Dadzite strike gold, she set a new world record in the process of winning the women's javelin throw at the Paralympic Games on Saturday, winning Latvia's second gold medal at the games.

Dadzite was able to hurl her javelin 23.26 meters.

The previous record in the F55 group was set in 1999 - 22.71 meters.

This is the first Paralympic Games for Dadzite, who carried the Latvian flag at the Opening Ceremony.

Speaking to Latvian Radio after her win, Dadzite said: "Probably no-one expected this - not even myself. I can't tell you how happy I am with this achievement... it's beyond words."

The 30-year-old said she had played sports for many years, particularly basketball, but a car crash four years ago changed her life and confined her to a wheelchair, forcing her to look for another outlet to achieve her sporting ambitions.

As previously reported, Aigars Apinis won Latvia's first gold medal at the Paralympic Games last week in the men's discus throw - his fourth gold medal in a long and distinguished career.

Congratulations immediately poured in from officials, led by President Raimonds Vejonis, who said he was proud of  Dadzite's outstanding effort.

Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis followed suit, saying "With willpower you can achieve great goals."

Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics added his voice, too:

 

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