Better than Rio was Todd Hodgett’s grandest catchcry after medaling in his shot put at the World-Para Athletics Championships in London.
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The Newstead club talent threw 15.96m on the second day of the championships to secure the bronze in the F20 category for athletes with an intellectual disability.
The 29-year-old Hodgetts was ecstatic afterwards.
“Today was way better than Rio already,” he said.
There were a few kerfuffles, but I came back strong with the last throw like the champion that I am
- Para-athlete Todd Hodgetts
“There were a few kerfuffles, but I came back strong with the last throw like the champion that I am. I don’t hold back – I never give up.”
Malaysian Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli broke the world record for the shot put in the event’s very first throw of the day to claim the gold medal.
But the 2015 world champion feels safe in the knowledge how far the mark is now set towards his chances at the worlds and Paralympics come 2019 and 2020.
“Congratulations (to Zolkefli), but I’m working on a few techniques and strategies, so this is not the end,” the former Brooks High student said. “I’m going to continue until I’m 40.”
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
