After seven years: shot putter Kappel wins gold at the Para World Championships

As of: May 20, 2024 11:39 a.m

Shot putter Niko Kappel has won gold again at the World Para Athletics Championships after seven years.

In Kobe, Japan, the 29-year-old VfB Stuttgart athlete cleared 14.23 meters in his fourth attempt for the gold medal on Monday night. This was his first time winning a World Championship since 2017. Bobirjon Omonov from Uzbekistan came second ahead of China’s Jun Huang.

Kappel traveled to Japan with confidence after breaking his own world record at the beginning of May and setting a new record of 15.07 meters. He didn’t let a cold and a toothache get in the way of his preparation for the first highlight of the season.

“Finally again,” said Kappel. “I’m not happy with my performance. I know from the world record a few days ago that I’m capable of more. But in championships, the only thing that counts is the title anyway.”

Walser misses medal

Long jumper Andreas Walser, however, missed a medal by 41 centimeters. The Augsburg man landed in sixth place with a season’s best of 6.64 meters.