Paralympic Games close in Tokyo

6 September 2021

Paralympic Games close in Tokyo

The Tokyo Paralympics concluded on Sunday with the marathons around the Paralympic city. The final two NSW athletes to compete were discus thrower Guy Henly and seven-time Paralympian Christie Dawes.

On day eight of the track and field program Canada-based Guy Henly competed in the F37 discus. Constant rain throughout the straight final presented challenging conditions.

With two fouls in the first three rounds, Henly’s sole effort of 40.64m had him in eighth place. But he came home with a wet sail improving in each of his final three attempts. With a distance of 47.29m in round four he was up to fifth. The competition’s first 50 metre throws came in round five as Henly improved but remained in fifth. In round six Henly spun the discus out to his best of the day - 48.72m graduating to fourth place, the same position he had finished in Rio five year earlier.

“I’m still processing it all myself. But it is tough getting fourth place at a Paralympic Games,” Henly told Paralympic Australia’s Margie McDonald.

“You put all the hard work in and it’s a long five years. But obviously I’m very happy to be here and getting that chance at a medal because a year ago, who knew we’d even be here.”

Henly said the rainy and cooler conditions didn’t help.

“I had plenty of competition in the lead-up. I just think it was just getting to grips with the wetness – and everyone was in the same boat with that,” he said.

“I was getting used to it right at the very end and it was a bit too late then. I didn’t have enough pepper on the end of my throws.”

Henly was still looking to the future and his fifth World Para-Athletics Championships.

“So I have to go back and think it all through and come back better and stronger next time. We’ve got Worlds (2022 Kobe) in a year and maybe I can make up for it with a medal back in Japan.”

Henly who is married to Canadian F38 discus throw Jenn Brown, watched her the next day place eight. The pair live in Calgary, where Henly went to link with coach Kim Cousins.

“I haven’t been back to Australia since 2018. We planned to be back in 2020 but we had to cancel our flights just before we were due to leave,” he said.

“We’re hoping to get back as soon as things loosen up a bit (with borders) and we’ll do quarantine if necessary.”

Also enduring wet condition was Christie Dawes on the last day of competition in the gruelling marathon. Unlike the Olympic marathon events held in Sapporo, the event was held around Tokyo.

Dawes was magnificent placing eight in 1:46.44. Competing in her fourth Paralympic marathon, she flew home passing four competitors in the final 10km before crossing the line in the Tokyo Olympic Stadium.

“Do you know, I am so stupid because I thought I was 8th when I made my move. I just had in me to chase – so I thought I’d finished 5th – my best result. But I was 12th when I passed a few girls and so I finished 8th.

“It still felt so good. It’s the oldest I’ve ever raced a Paralympic marathon but also the fittest I’ve ever been.”

Summary NSW results:

Evan O'Hanlon – bronze T38 100m 11.00

Guy Henly – 4th F37 discus 48.72m

Christie Dawes – 8th T54 marathon 1:46.44

Luke Bailey – 5th heat T54 100m 14.55

Rosemary Little - 6th F32 shot put 6.32m

Sarah Walsh - 7th T44 long jump 5.11m

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Christie Dawes