Paris 2024 Paralympics | Para athletics: Team Colombia Are Here First to Have Fun and Second to Win
Para Athletics
Team Colombia took home three medals at yesterdays Para athletics events. Adding one gold and two bronze to their fast-growing collection. We spoke to medal winners Karen Tatiana Palomeque Moreno and Darian Faisury Jiménez Sánchez along with Team Colombia supporters at the Stade De France.
Colombia's gold medalist Karen Tatiana Palomeque Moreno and bronze medalist Darian Faisury Jiménez Sánchez stood side by side during last night's victory ceremony for the women's 100m T38 final. As the national anthem of their country echoed through the Stade de France, the pair shared a proud moment together.
"I feel very proud that two Colombian girls are in the biggest competition, it's one of the most important moments of our athletics career." Karen told Paris 2024 after the medal ceremony.
Despite beaking a world record in the race, with a smashing time of 12.26, Karen said she was reminded by her trainers that this was a normal day with the same routine as always.
"This is another day at work. There are more competeition events to follow. I can be happy, but I let the day go on just as I usually do with my normal routine." she said.
Among the iconic moments at last nights events was Karen's victory lap of the stadium. There was no stopping her on her journey of pure joy as she crossed the finish line for the first time, and then once again for good measure.
"I was full of joy, I don't know how to put it into words but it was nothing like I've ever felt before." she said.
Jordan, who has been supporting Team Colombia throughout the Paralympic Games this year, spoke on the attitude of Team Colombia ahead of the events:
"Yesterday we got two gold, and then today another one is added to the collection, it's amazing to witness. My job today was to get that flag to Karen and you saw her, she was just so happy." he said.
"It's a chilled out country, they're just here to enjoy, to feel it, they're not even stressed. It's so different to the western countries, they're just here to have fun," he added.
Darian, who has completed her competition events at this years Paralympic Games said she took time to prepare for her newly acquired responsibility of being one of the best para athletes in her field.
"It's a responsibility to be one of the three best in the world. I prepared for this along with my training, and then the most important thing to do is just give it all on the track" she said.
The fun is not over yet
Darian, who has completed her events at the Paralympics this year says she can enjoy her time off with her family and friends at home, but the fun is not over yet for Karen.
"I have two more events to go, so my focus is on that for the next few days. I am looking forward to going home to my people waiting for me in Colombia, but I'm concentrated on my races, and having fun, too." she concluded.