Japan's Shimazu Breaks World Record at Morocco Grand Prix

Yudai Shimazu just announced his arrival on the world stage in the most spectacular way possible.

The Japanese runner broke the world record in the men's 5000m T13 at his very first Grand Prix appearance, clocking 14:03.45 in Rabat, Morocco. His breakthrough highlighted three days of remarkable athletic achievement as the Moroccan capital hosted its inaugural World Para Athletics event.

The competition brought together 439 athletes from 57 nations, marking a historic moment for Rabat. The city stepped in as Morocco's new host location after Marrakech had been the country's regular Grand Prix venue in previous years.

Brazil stole the spotlight with a commanding performance, claiming 38 gold medals from their total of 57. China followed with 14 golds, while host nation Morocco proudly secured eight top podium finishes.

Maria Clara Augusto Da Silva emerged as Brazil's brightest star with three gold medals in her first African Grand Prix. She defeated reigning Paralympic champion Fernanda Yara Da Silva in the women's 400m T47, reversing the Paris 2024 results where she had taken bronze.

Augusto Da Silva also won the 100m and 200m T46/T47 events, setting a new Americas record of 14.63 in the 100m. Her teammate Jerusa Geber, a two-time Paris Paralympic champion, added two more golds in the women's 100m and 200m T11.

Three-time Paralympic gold medalist Petrucio Ferreira dos Santos continued Brazil's golden streak in the men's 100m T47. He finished just ahead of Morocco's Aymane El Haddaoui, who thrilled home fans by winning gold in the men's 400m T47.

"I'm on the right track for the Los Angeles 2028 Games," Ferreira dos Santos said. "A body with less pain and better muscle balance leads to better results on the track."

Why This Inspires

This event proves that excellence knows no boundaries. Athletes traveled from five continents to compete in a city hosting its first major para athletics competition, and they delivered record-breaking performances that will inspire the next generation.

Tunisia's eight-time Paralympic champion Raoua Tlili won gold in the women's discus throw F40/41 with a throw of 33.88m. Colombia's Paris 2024 champion Mauricio Valencia and Jose Gregorio Lemos Rivas both topped their respective podiums, continuing Latin America's strong showing.

The Grand Prix circuit continues through Europe and returns to Africa in June, building momentum toward the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.

Records fell, stars rose, and Morocco welcomed the world with open arms.