Paris Paralympics 2024: Jaydin Blackwell breaks men’s 100m T38 World Record to win gold

Jaydin Blackwell of USA broke his world record in the men’s 100m T38 event to win gold at the Paris Paralympics on Saturday.

Jaydin Blackwell of United States breaks world record to win gold. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Jaydin Blackwell of USA broke his world record in the men’s 100m T38 event to win gold at the Paris Paralympics on Saturday.

Blackwell, who had set the previous world record of 10.72 in July this year, smashed the field with a blistering 10.64 to top the podium.

The silver medallist and his compatriot Ryan Medrano was almost 0.3 seconds slower than him, while Colombian Juan Alejandro Sanchez ran 10.99 to clinch bronze.

Blackwell was born with cerebral palsy, a disease that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Symptoms can vary widely, ranging from floppy to rigid limbs. Blackwell experiences a type that leave his leg muscles rock hard.

“It affects my legs – both sides of my legs,” Blackwell has said before. “My muscles will be tightened when I finish running. My legs will be very tight so I’ll have to walk around, sit down or do a little jog or stretch for a few good minutes. Then walk around some more just to relax them.

“I can’t run for a long time – that’s why I’m a sprinter, short and sweet; I can’t do distance,” he informs.

Blackwell’s mother Rochelle Davis was a big support for the runner. He lost her to domestic violence a few years ago.