Blake Bolden, the Director of the Drake Relays, talked about Ankeny Native, Justin Phongsavanh (fong-sa-von) throwing Javelin at the Drake Relays this April. It was special because it was the first time Phongsavanh threw at a competition in the state of Iowa. Phongsavanh was shot in 2015 and has been paralyzed in his legs since.
Phongsavanh, who now lives and trains in Georgia, won bronze in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Phongsavanh is the world record holder for seated Javelin throw at 33.29 meters.
Phongsavanh will be representing America at the Paralympics in Paris starting August 28th. The US Paralympics Track & Field announced their team on X, formerly Twitter, recently.
Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB
Photo Credit: International Olympic Committee (IOC)