Tatyana McFadden tops qualifying in the 1500m T54, aims for 20th Paralympic medal
Team USA's wheelchair racing star Tatyana McFadden is in the hunt for an eight gold medal after she put down the fastest time in her qualifying heat at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics
Athletics
Tatyana McFadden was back on the Paralympic treasure hunt today, Monday 30 August, with another impressive performance in her 1500m T54 heat, clocking 3:36.24 to qualify in first place.
The Team USA star had to work for it though, pushed all the way to the line by China's ZHOU Zhaoqian who was just 0.16 behind McFadden.
Merle Menje from Germany claimed the third qualifying spot in 3:36.46.
The women's 1500m T54 final will take place on Tuesday 31 August at 20:56 JST.
McFadden is the double reigning champion at this distance and is aiming for a golden threepeat which would be her eight Paralympic gold medal and a 20th overall.
But it won't be a freewheel for McFadden who'll have to face down Zhou once more and her Swiss rival Manuela Schaer who pipped McFadden in the 800m yesterday.
Add USA teammate Susannah Scaroni to the mix and we have an exciting race on our hands tomorrow.
McFadden has won silver and a bronze (In the 5000m) already here at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, and is going all out to complete the set with gold.
When is Tatyana McFadden competing next at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in 2021?
Tatyana McFadden will be back on track at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics on Tuesday August 31 from 20:56 JST in the women's 1500m T54 final.
Her two other events coming up are:
Women's 400m T54 - Thursday 2 September with heats starting at 12:42pm and the final at 19:40pm.
Women's marathon T54 - Sunday 5 September 6:40.