Sumit Antil sets record with historic throw, wins second consecutive Paralympic Gold

Sumit Antil made history again at the 2024 Paris Paralympics by defending his gold medal in the F64 men’s javelin event. Antil threw a stunning 70.59 meters, breaking his own previous Paralympic record. This achievement makes him the third Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals. Antil’s remarkable performance started with a throw of 69.11 meters, followed by his record-breaking second attempt. Although his third throw was 66.66 meters and his fourth was a foul, he ended the event with strong throws of 69.04 meters and 66.57 meters. No other athlete managed to surpass the 70-meter mark.

Overcoming challenges

Antil is the first Indian man to defend a Paralympic title and the second overall, after Avani Lekhara, who won her second consecutive gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing event earlier at the Paris Games. Antil now joins Avani and Devendra Jhajharia, another Indian javelin thrower, in the exclusive club of athletes with two Paralympic golds.

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In addition to his Paralympic success, Antil is the current world record holder with a throw of 73.29 meters. He has also won gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships in 2023 and 2024 and at the Asian Para Games in 2022. Despite his ongoing back injury, which he has been managing with painkillers, Antil delivered a top-notch performance. He admitted that his injury, sustained in 2023, has not fully healed, affecting his training and competition. After his victory, Antil emphasized the need for rest and proper recovery once he returns to India.

This victory not only solidifies Antil's status as a world-class athlete but also serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.