Nathan Riech wins 1,500m gold to close out WPA Championships

Riech earns his first WPA Championship medal

Madeleine Kelly November 15, 2019

Victoria’s Nathan Riech won his first Para World Championships medal on Friday in the 1,500m T38 finals. After a very impressive 2019 where the runner set multiple records and took many titles, he finished out his season becoming the world champion in a meet record of 4:02:04.

Tonight was something I will never forget!

Big thank you to my inner circle (you know who you are).. You guys deserve all the credit, the ride wouldn’t be worth it without you guys! Last but not least thank you Canada! #Dubai2019 #ParaAthletics pic.twitter.com/X7uWvOwAnl

— Nate Riech (@NateGraywolf) November 15, 2019

His teammate and fellow Canadian Liam Stanley finished in fifth place with a time of 4:10.78. Canadian Austin Smeenk finished off the championship with a fourth place finish in the men’s 800-metre T34 final in 1:46.33.

At the age of 10, Nate Riech was injured in a freak golf accident that resulted in a brain injury. Nate will be racing today in the 1500m at 6:40 ET. Find out how he prepares mentally for his races in the Health & Wellness Series presented by @PfizerCA https://t.co/GPc4GLKSl4 pic.twitter.com/P1GCwoaVpL

— Canadian Paralympic Committee (@CDNParalympics) August 24, 2019

Team Canada earned a total of three gold, two silver, and one bronze medal along with five Canadian record-breaking performances at the 2019 WPA Championships. The athletes will now take a much deserved break before beginning their Tokyo 2020 campaigns.

Canadian medal winners

Brent Lakatos – two gold and one silver (gold – 100m T53, 14.59, gold – 800m T53, 1:40.59, silver – 400m T53, 48.33)

Nathan Riech – gold in T38 1500m, 4:02.04

Greg Stewart – silver in F46 discus, 16.30m (PB, CR)

Renee Foessel – bronze in F38 discus, 33.37m (PB, CR)

Canadian medal winners

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