Cristián Valenzuela Wins IPC World Title
Chile’s Cristián Valenzuela made the 5,000 metres his own, winning the event for the first time at the IPC World Championships in Qatar in the T11 category.
The Paralympic gold medalist was in fine form, finishing with a time of 15:52.64 guided by Raul Moya and Mauricio Valdivia. It looked like Brazil’s Odair Santos would take the victory, but he fell to the ground multiple times in the final stages of the race, finishing out of medal contention before eventually being disqualified. The Brazilian was originally the winner at the Pan American Games in Toronto, but was also disqualified from that race.
Canada’s Jason Dunkerley got the gold in Toronto ahead of Valenzuela, but the Chilean was able to defend the world title in the T11 event, putting Valenzuela in a strong position to defend his Paralympic title.
It is the third time that the Conchalí product has stood atop the podium at an IPC World Championships, having won the marathon in New Zealand 2011 and France 2013.
About the Author
Daniel Boyle Founder of @sportslashlife. Australian living in Chile. Freestyle footbag player and passionate sports fan.
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