Silva, Meloch, take World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics half marathon crowns
Brazil’s Antonio Silva and Poland’s Arleta Meloch were crowned the respective men’s and women’s International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Half Marathon world champions in Coimbra, Portugal, on Sunday (21 October).
Silva won the men’s race in 01:11:59 after weaving his way through the course, which took place as part of the Running Wonders circuit.
The Brazilian beat two Japanese runners to the top of the podium.
Shota Gomi (01:12:19) claimed silver just ahead of teammate Keiya Kobayashi (01:12:38).
In the women’s Meloch successfully defended her title and won her third consecutive gold in 01:25:48.
Meloch did so ahead of her rival and compatriot Anna Bodziony (01:37:04) who secured silver.
Brazil picked up another top three placing courtesy of bronze medallist Lindinalva Silva (01:40:18).
In the team events Japan’s double podium finish and a further trio of athletes finishing within the top 10 contributed to their win in the men’s.
Spain were second led by a fourth place from Asier Aguirre-Santos. Portugal grabbed third at home with Paulo Benvente, former world champion Paulo Pinheiro, Vitor Pleino and Joao Monteiro all registering strong performances.
Australia left with gold in the women’s on their World Championships debut. Georgia Powning, Chloe Turner and Montana Whiteley stepped shared the top step.
About the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Half Marathon World Championships
Full results from the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Half Marathon Championships are available at the results, rankings and records page.
The competition takes place every year. The Coimbra edition attracted more than 20 athletes from five countries as they build towards the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games. The Global Games are the world’s biggest high performance sports event for athletes with intellectual impairments.
