Daniel Romanchuk wins the first world title of his career in the 800-meter T54 at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Team USA struck gold on the track and in the field on the third night of competition at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships. Daniel Romanchuk (Mount Airy, Maryland) earned the crown in the men’s 800-meter T54, while Scot Severn (Caro, Michigan) threw to the gold medal in the men’s shot put F53 at the Dubai Club for People of Determination.
New titles - For the first time in their careers, Romanchuk and Severn became world champions under the lights in Dubai. Improving from a seventh-place finish at the 2017 edition of the world championships, Romanchuk adds the title of world champion to his already-decorated resume after winning the 800 in a championship-record time of 1:32.81. Following silver medals at the world championships in 2013, 2015 and 2017, Severn threw 7.69 to defeat his seven competitors for the gold medal.
Coming back from injury - Amanda McGrory (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania), who is recovering from an injury and only returned to training in August, raced to a second-place finish in the women’s 800 T54 with a time of 1:48.84, improving from her third-place finish at the 2017 world championships. She was joined on the podium by teammate Susannah Scaroni (Champaign, Illinois), who took home bronze (1:49.21).
Team USA Results from Nov. 9
7 medals: 2 golds, 1 silver, 4 bronzes
Gold: Daniel Romanchuk (Mount Airy, Md.), men’s 800 T54 (1:32.81); Scot Severn (Caro, Mich.), men’s shot put F53 (7.69)
Silver: Amanda McGrory (Kennett Square, Pa.), women’s 800 T54 (1:48.84)
Bronze: Femita Ayanbeku (Boston, Mass.), women’s 200 T64 (28.21); Raymond Martin (Jersey City, N.J.), men’s 400 T52 (1:00.35); David Prince (Atlanta, Ga.), men’s 200 T64 (22.59); Susannah Scaroni (Champaign, Ill.), women’s 800 T54 (1:49.21)
Full results can be found on the World Para Athletics Championships website.
Quotes
Daniel Romanchuk
“I never really go into a race thinking that I have the win. The T54 class is so competitive. Every race is a new race. Even if it’s just the next day, it’s going to be an entirely different race. I just take it one race at a time.
“We’ve been trying to divide the training time a little bit to get ready for the road and the track as well. Training wise, I went in with a little bit of both. This is a test year for the Tokyo Games coming up and seeing how I do with all of the travel and racing.
“It’s an honor to be here representing the U.S. It’s every athlete's dream to go to these events and represent their country.”
Scot Severn
“I finally got the monkey off my back. It’s been a long time. I’ve had several silver medals in a row. Glad to finally come out first. I did what I had to do tonight. Numbers weren’t the greatest, but it’s what needed to be done.
“I am definitely looking forward to the Paralympic Games. I’m going to try to do it as long as I can. My age is getting up there now. I am among the older athletes but I try to keep myself in shape and stay in this sport as long as I can.”
Looking Forward
Saturday’s action begins at 9 a.m. local time, with Lex Gillette (Raleigh, North Carolina) looking to defend his world title in the long jump T11. Three athletes look to repeat their podium finishes from 2017, including Kym Crosby (Yuba City, California) in the 100 T13, Alexa Halko (Williamsburg, Virginia) in the 100 T34 and Jaleen Roberts (Kent, Washington) in the long jump T37.
How to Watch
Team USA fans can catch all the action of the World Para Athletics Championships on the Olympic Channel. Every evening session will be aired on Olympic Channel, while fans can stream morning sessions at OlympicChannel.com. The full schedule can be found on OlympicChannel.com.
Get Connected
For updates throughout the event, follow U.S. Paralympics Track & Field on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
