Campbell earns Parapan 100m silver

Team captain Chadwick Campbell got into the blocks at the starting line at approximately 3:43 p.m. on Monday for the final of the 2019 Parapan American Games T13 100m, a location with which he is familiar at international games, having been there at the 2017 London World Para Athletics Championships.

The line-up was not what he wanted as there was not a full field, owing primarily to ineligibility arising from non-classification of athletes.

However, Campbell remained focused in his first Parapan American experience and it proved inspirational as he crossed the finish line as the silver medallist in 11.66 seconds.The gold medal went to Brazilian Arnaldo DaSilva and the bronze to Honduran Elgin Castellanos.

Commenting after the race, the Jamaica team captain demonstrated leadership.

‘Never say die’

“You win some, and you are humble in victory, and you lose some, but you are never defeated. You win a medal and celebrate, and you come out without a medal, but you are still a winner. This is what the Paralympic spirit teaches you – humility and ‘never say die’. I am celebrating,” he said.

The Fitz Coleman protégé goes back into the athletic studio, where he hopes to record a ‘blockbuster’ for the Dubai World Para Athletics Championships later this year in November.

Jamaica Paralympic Association president, Christopher Samuda, continues to be impressed by Campbell’s attitude and approach.

“Rarely do you find an athlete so composed and very grounded in handling success as part of life’s experiences and in building character. Chad has it down pat,” said Samuda.