Thomas, Brown cop silver, bronze at Para Pan Games
Para athletes Tevaughan Thomas and Jason Brown earned Jamaica its first medals when they struck silver and bronze medals on Tuesday in the Under-19 T47 and T12 100m events, respectively, at the Sao Paulo Para Pan American Youth Games, currently being held in Brazil.
It was a photo finish with second place for Thomas who ran on strongly in the closing stages and who spoilt the Brazilian party as he was competing in a field that had three fancied athletes from Brazil.
“I’m pleased with the result despite my not getting the gold. Hard work has paid off and my country has a silver medal”, he said.
Brown, who only recently started para athletics, is a talent for the future and ran comfortably to gain the bronze position. His event entailed three heats with the officials using times to distribute the medals.
“This is great. God is good and I hope my country is proud,” said Brown after his historic run.
President of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA), Christopher Samuda, described the feat of the athletes as “a tremendous display of determination, courage and talent from two fine young men who have remained focussed and humble”.