Jamaica’s Dana-Gaye Weller finished sixth in the Women’s F51 club throw with a personal best of 12.21m in Paralympics inside the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday.

“I am feeling so accomplished, yet I know that the journey has just begun and I have to go the distance,” said Weller.

The event was won by Joanna Butterfield of Great Britain in a new world record of 22.81m, ahead of Zoia Ovsii of Ukraine with 22.21, which was her personal best. Cassie Mitchell of the United States of America grabbed the bronze with 21.84m. Kylie Grimes of Great Britain was fourth with 18.75 and Rachael Morrison of the USA fifth with 18.32m.

Jamaica’s coach Neville Sinclair, reflecting on Weller’s performance, said: “This is a demonstration of discipline, hard work and application, and a prime example of commitment for others to emulate.”

Weller only started the sport seriously this year as previously she was unable to dedicate quality time, owing to personal commitments as well as challenges in commuting to Kingston from Mandeville for training. But now, she has entered the arena of international competition and, from all indications, intends to be a respected contender for medals in the future.

But the jury is still out regarding the appropriateness of classification of athletes in Weller’s class. The Paralympic record leading into the Rio Games stood at 13.64 m. This year, prior to the Games, the world record was established at a remarkable distance of 22.75m by the gold medallist Butterfield.

In this Paralympic competition, athletes hurled the club over 18 metres, arguably a phenomenon in the event. Only Weller and Zena Cole from the USA, who finished seventh, kept within the previous Paralympic record and the distance expected of athletes who traditionally fall within the F51 class.