Photo by: Lima2019
Heims Breaks WR, Captures Gold at Lima
8/28/2019 6:46:00 PM | Track and Field
LIMA, PERU – Jessica Heims broke her own world record and defeated the field by over 4.5 meters to capture gold in the discus at the 2019 Parapan America Games in Lima Peru, Wednesday.
After a scratch on the first throw, Heims hit 29.89 meters (98-feet) on her second heave. The mark would have been good enough to pick up the gold, but she wasn't satisfied with just the win.
Her third throw, She launched a toss of 34.4 meters (112-feet-10) which surpassed her world record throw of 34.15 from the University of Wisconsin Alumni Meet in May.
She competed on the final day of the track and field events at the Parapan Games. After 10 days of waiting and watching her Team US teammates compete and medal, she was ready to get in the ring.
"It feels really good. I have been waiting a week and a half to throw," Heims said. "I am really happy. Everyone that medaled before me boosted my spirits and fueled my adrenaline. It was good to close out for the team."
Silver medal winner Noriaivis De Las Heras of Cuba threw the discus 29.80. The bronze was picked up by Team USA teammate Sydney Barta with a throw of 26.71.
Heims is not done this season, she is set to compete at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championship in Dubai in mid-November. The competition in November serves as the qualifier for all track and field events for the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo.
"There is a lot left in the bag. I have had a lot of good training, a lot of good competitions, but I am itching for more and I can feel more in me," Heims said. "I am excited to continue and hopefully get better in the next few months."
After a scratch on the first throw, Heims hit 29.89 meters (98-feet) on her second heave. The mark would have been good enough to pick up the gold, but she wasn't satisfied with just the win.
Her third throw, She launched a toss of 34.4 meters (112-feet-10) which surpassed her world record throw of 34.15 from the University of Wisconsin Alumni Meet in May.
She competed on the final day of the track and field events at the Parapan Games. After 10 days of waiting and watching her Team US teammates compete and medal, she was ready to get in the ring.
"It feels really good. I have been waiting a week and a half to throw," Heims said. "I am really happy. Everyone that medaled before me boosted my spirits and fueled my adrenaline. It was good to close out for the team."
Silver medal winner Noriaivis De Las Heras of Cuba threw the discus 29.80. The bronze was picked up by Team USA teammate Sydney Barta with a throw of 26.71.
Heims is not done this season, she is set to compete at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championship in Dubai in mid-November. The competition in November serves as the qualifier for all track and field events for the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo.
"There is a lot left in the bag. I have had a lot of good training, a lot of good competitions, but I am itching for more and I can feel more in me," Heims said. "I am excited to continue and hopefully get better in the next few months."
Players Mentioned
Throws / Sprints
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