Wonderful bronze medal at the World Paratriathlon Championship!
Wim De Paepe has distinguished himself again at this year's World Paratriathlon Championship in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The athlete, who had an above-the-knee amputation, finished third in his category.
Wim De Paepe has acquired elite sportsman status in the French-speaking Handisport League. He already has an extensive list of achievements on the international scene. Third at the European Championship in 2021 and third at the World Championship in 2021, he achieved the same result this year in Abu Dhabi, winning a new bronze medal.
A paratriathlon includes the same events as a classic triathlon but over slightly shorter distances. Competitors must swim 750 meters, cycle 20 kilometres and finish with a 5-kilometre run.
In the PTS2 category, which is for athletes who can compete standing with a severe disability, Wim De Paepe managed to finish the race in a final time of 01:09.52. He had exited the water in second place before losing time on the bike and dropping to fourth place. He dug deep to find the necessary energy and was able to pass another competitor and finish with the bronze medal around his neck. Frenchman Jules Ribstein (double world champion) and Spaniard Lionel Morales finished ahead of him.
Our Belgian athlete will now spend 2023 preparing for qualification for the Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024.