Destiny Agbo of Nigeria wins first-ever Para medal at Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games
History has been made at the Commonwealth Youth Games with Destiny Agbo of Nigeria winning the first-ever Para gold medal in the Women’s Discus Throw - F42-44 / F61-64.
The atmosphere at Hasely Crawford Stadium was electric as Agbo took the gold from England’s Bibi Jackson taking the silver and Martha Nengola of Namibia, taking the bronze.
“I’m so happy. Everything is really good. I promised my country I would make them proud. I’m happy for my coach and my family,” said Agbo.
Shortly after Maddie Down from England took the gold in the Women’s 100m - T38 winning by 0.54s in a time of 13.47.
“It’s a bit surreal, I didn’t see it coming and I’m a bit overwhelmed, happy and excited. The field I was racing against are amazing, and I think that spurred all of us on,” said Down.
“I think we’ve all made history, being the first Paras to ever be a part of this Games. It’s hard to put into words, but I think we’ve all made history.”
Tomi Roberts-Jones from Wales took the gold in the Men’s 100m - T38 winning by +0.03 in a time of 13.27.
“It means a lot to me because it’s my first Commonwealth Youth Games. It feels amazing to be the first men’s Para to win gold in Trinbago,” said Roberts-Jones.
The fully integrated Para-Athletics programme at the Youth Games sees athletes compete in six medal events (three women’s and three men’s events).
CGF CEO, Katie Sadleir, said: “It’s an historic day at Trinbago 2023 with our fully integrated Para-Athletics programme now underway. We are extremely proud of all the athletes who have competed today and especially Destiny Agbo, Maddie Down and Tomi Roberts-Jones for winning the first-ever Commonwealth Youth Games Para gold medals. The programme gives Para athletes an equal opportunity to showcase their extraordinary talent and compete at the highest level.”
The Commonwealth Youth Games are an established pathway towards the Commonwealth Games, and other major senior sporting events, providing an opportunity to showcase the stars of the future.