Gold – Jode Elkington (Australia)
Silver – Bethy Woodward (England)
Bronze – Johana Benson (Namibia)
It was fitting that this group of Para-Athletes opened the day’s events at a packed Hampden Stadium. More than most, they really capture the spirit of the games and the crowd warmed to their efforts almost immediately.
For most, the long jump is simply about the greatest distance covered but for these women on the park today it was as much about the personal journeys they have all made to compete. Where able bodied athletes may well dazzle with their technical expertise and athleticism, these women warmed the hearts of the Glasgow crowd with their commitment, passion and personality.
What They Said…
Jodie Elkington (AUS) – gold
On winning gold:
“It was incredible. To get two jumps over 4ft is something I went out with the aim to do but to do it was a completely different story.”
On how she will prepare for her next event:
“Have a couple of weeks off, recover, get back to reality, and then we’ll head into our domestic season. Then it’s over to the world championships and Rio (for the 2016 Paralympic Games).”
Bethy Woodward (ENG) – silver
On the crowd:
“It was like being in London again. It’s great to be around people waving and smiling back at you.”
On winning silver:
“It’s not my strongest event but I was pushing myself all the way and I’m very pleased I pulled through. Incredible, it is amazing just to win a silver medal.”
On her hopes:
“I know I had a big jump in me, but I just wanted to go out there and have fun and see what happened. So to get the silver was amazing.”
About the athletes…
Jodi Elkington
Type of Impairment
Cerebral Palsy
Origin of Impairment
Congenital – Genetic
Impairment Details
She has cerebral palsy which affects the right side of her body. Her right leg is about four centimetres shorter than her left, and her muscles along the affected right side are less developed.
Start of sporting career
She began sprinting in 2008.
Reason for taking up this sport
She was originally a swimmer [recommended for cerebral palsy sufferers], but she suffered an injury to her right elbow that kept her out of the pool for several months. She took up running in the interim.
Most memorable sporting achievement
Being selected to compete at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India and the 2011 World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Hero
Her coach Iryna Dvoskina and her training squad.
BETHY WOODWARD
Type of Impairment
Cerebral Palsy
Impairment Details
She was born with cerebral palsy, resulting in right-sided hemiplegia.
Start of sporting career
She first began running at age 11.
Reason for taking up this sport
She joined a charity called ‘CP Sports’, which encourages children with cerebral palsy to take part in athletics. She was then spotted by a national coach and subsequently fast-tracked into St Albans Athletics Club.
Ambitions
To become a double gold medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
