JAMAICA ended its campaign at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France, yesterday with Sylvia Grant finishing eighth in the final in the F57/58 discus competition.

Grant battled a shoulder injury, which has been plaguing her recently, and which unfortunately, flared up. Never daunted, she gave what she had — courage and strength of character and will. Accustomed to throwing over 25 metres in training, which would have placed her in the medal frame, she valiantly threw 23.64m.

The gold medal landed in the lap of Nassima Saifi of Algeria in world-record fashion for her class F58, with the silver and the bronze going to Oria Barry of Ireland, and Ming Liu, of China, respectively.

“We have always been very proud of our Paralympians and our pride is rooted not only in the excellence of performances, but more importantly, the admirable character displayed in competing,” said Christopher Samuda, president of the Jamaica Paralympic Association, who applauded Grant.

Lyon will be remembered with mixed emotions: the imperious exhibition of technique and power by Alphanso Cunningham, the quiet confidence of Grant, the admirable purpose and will of Tanto Campbell, the inspiring grit of David Bascoe, the gold which fell indiscreetly from the palms of Shane Hudson, and the disappointment of the ineligibility of Javon Campbell, for whom the campaign continues for recognition, along with newcomers Romadeo Williams and Isiah Simms, who also did not qualify.

But whatever may be the mix of emotions, Jamaica’s Paralympians continue to stamp their mark on the international stage of sport where national aspirations are continually being fulfilled.