Namibia’s celebrated paralympic sprinter Ananias Shikongo, and his guide Even Tjiuiju, lifted the nation’s pride on the global stage clinching a silver medal at the 12th World Para Athletics Championships held at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in India on Friday.
The seasoned T11 athlete was in exceptional form, first breaking the African record in the men’s 100m T11 semi-finals with a time of 11.08 seconds, securing a spot in the finals. Less than 24 hours later, Shikongo bettered his own record with a blazing 11.00 seconds, earning him second place behind Athanasios Ghavelas of Greece, who took gold in 10.96 seconds.
Speaking after the race, coach Letu Hamhola praised Shikongo’s consistency on the world stage.
“He’s been in action from day one, and last night’s silver medal continues our good streak at the World Championships where the team has been collecting medals since 2011 in New Zealand. To break his own African record shows that he’s maturing like fine wine. At this stage in his career, to still be putting up record-breaking performances is a testament to his dedication and discipline.”
Hamhola added that Shikongo remains the best-ever African sprinter in the T11 category, noting that Namibia’s para-athletes have continued to make their mark internationally.
“We are yearning for gold again, like when Johanna Benson won in 2019. But this result keeps us on the right path towards the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games,” Hamhola added.
Looking ahead, he said the team’s focus is now on preparing for the 2027 World Championships, which will serve as a qualification event for the Paralympics.
“Our para-athletes have consistently performed at this level, but more investment is needed. Disability is not inability, these athletes have the will, the discipline, and the talent to achieve even more,” he emphasised.
He urged Namibians to continue supporting para-sport development in all disciplines, including athletics, swimming, and triathlon.
“Last year we heard our national anthem played in Paris, we want to hear it again and again, from more championships and more athletes. Let’s give them the platform they deserve,” Hamhola said.