World Title for Davies and Sensational Silver for Levitt

Aled Davies won gold to secure his 7th consecutive world F63 shot put title in a thrilling competition, while debutant Victoria Levitt won silver in the T44 200m to close the final evening in New Delhi.

Bebe Jackson ran a new personal best in the T44 200m to finish third, and rounding off the night, Nathan Maguire finished fifth in the fastest T54 800m ever.

The final medal total was 25 for the Novuna Great Britain and Northern Ireland team at these World Para Athletics Championships.

In a highly competitive shot put competition, Davies (Cardiff) threw 16.44m on his fifth attempt after Faisal Sorour from Kuwait battled with the Welshman, taking the area record in his sixth attempt at 16.28m, but it wasn’t enough to claim the top spot.

“After last year’s heartbreak and the pain I’ve been in for the last four or five years, I’ve accepted I needed to have a few repairs. I’ve done it, I’ve rebuilt in the silence and darkness on my own and I’ve been able to compete again.

“I feel good to be back but I still feel like there’s so much more – this is something I am building for towards LA.”

After winning gold earlier in the week, Levitt (Mansfield) ran a new personal best 27.46 in the 200m to take silver behind USA’s Annie Carey, who stormed home with an American record 27.31.

“It’s probably the best feeling I’ve felt in about two months. To come away and finish the 200m is probably the biggest achievement of this champs – regardless of the medal, the position and the time. To get out there and do what I’ve done is my biggest achievement to date.”

Bebe Jackson (Alan James, Woodford Green, Essex Ladies) ran a fantastic bend to finish with a new personal best of 28.19 for third spot.

Nathan Maguire (Ste Hoskins, Kirkby) finished fifth with a respectable time of 1:32.16 in the fastest T54 800m race in history, with China’s Jin setting a new world record to claim the top of the podium.

“I’ve had a really good championships – it’s been my best ever, so I’m happy with how it’s gone.” He reflected.

“T54 is always quick – if you’re not fast enough you’re not going to make a medal. To be in with the mix with these guys is really special – now I know what I need to do for LA.

The Novuna GB & NI team finish the Championships with a total of 25 medals: seven gold, five silver and 13 bronze.