Blade runner, Liam Malone, has set a new record at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Rio, Brazil.
The New Zealand national broke Oscar Pistorius’ 21.30 seconds best on Tuesday after winning gold in the men’s 200m T44 final in a time of 21.06 seconds.
“I wouldn’t be here without those blades in the first instance.
“I’m filled with gratitude to everyone who invested in me from the start,” he told Stuff news agency.
Malone’s coach, James Mortimer, admitted that he did not expect the new champion to break Pistorius’ record.
He said he always felt the 200m would be Malone’s best chance of winning a gold medal.
“After watching his heat I knew he was in pretty good form, especially with how relaxed he was.
“But watching it this morning, he just ran as well as he could and just executed everything as we planned and brought it home well,” he said.
The feat has earned Malone a second medal of the Paralympics while New Zealand got their third gold of the day.
The 22-year-old had won a silver medal in the 100m on Friday, losing out to Great Britain’s Jonnie Peacock.
