The World ParaAthletics Championships are returning to the UK when the summer’s track and field action kick starts at London Stadium this July. Ahead of this, we look at some of those who will look to make themselves known on a global stage. Here’s part one of our 10 ones to watch in this year’s Championships.
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1. Hunter Woodhall (T43, USA)
The American claimed podium spots at Rio 2016, winning 200m T44 silver and 400m T44 bronze at his first ever games in an exceptionally competitive field. At just 17, Woodhall is vastly experienced already and will look for his first Gold, this time in the T43.
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2. Petrucio Ferreira (T47, Brazil)
At only 20-years of age Ferreira has effectively taken over the track. The Brazilian saw off his more experienced teammate Yohansson Nascimento as well as the dominant world champion Michal Derus of Poland when he raced to gold at Rio 2016 in the 100m T47. With two world records under his belt, another title this summer is on the cards.Â
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3. Ntando Mahlangu (T42, RSA)
Mahlangu might be just 15-years of age but he moved up compete on the global stage effortlessly. The young South African double leg amputee races in the T42 sprints and, following his 200m silver at Rio 2016, he will look to go one step further and challenge GB World and Olympic champion Richard Whitehead.Â
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4. Michael Brannigan (T20, USA)
The American took the track by storm in the men's 1,500m T20 at Rio 2016 after an amazing 12 months which saw him add gold to his world title in 2015. At just 20-years of age, he has the potential to rule the event for years and is certainly the man to beat in London.
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5. Brayden Davidson (T36, Australia)
The 19-year-old Australian long jumper shocked an all-star field at Rio 2016, jumping a provincial record of 5.62m to take the gold ahead of 2012 champion Roman Pavlyk of Ukraine. He will hope to improve on his Bronze in the 2015 World champs and be victorious again this summer.Â
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