UAE's Thekra sets new record in 100m T71 at World Para Athletics C'ships

UAE's Thekra Alkaabi shattered the world record in the newly added women's 100m T71 frame running event on the opening day of the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi on Saturday.

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Alkaabi clocked 19.89 seconds to set the record and win the gold in the event in which athletes use a three-wheeled running frame, with a saddle, body support and most notably, no pedals.

The UAE champion bettered the earlier world record of 20.08 seconds which was in the name of Lithuania's Bella Morkus set in July this year.

Morkus took the silver with a time of 21.53 seconds while Miriam Dominikowska of Poland won the bronze in 23.56 seconds.

Alkaabi's earlier personal best in women's 100m T71 was 23.58 seconds. She had won a bronze in F32 club throw event in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games. Alkaabi expressed her happiness with this achievement, dedicating the victory to the country's wise leadership and to everyone who supported her during the preparation period.