Paralympic Stars Light Up Colombia's Grand Prix Finale

Three-time Paralympic champion Sherman Guity blazed across the finish line in Cali, Colombia, clocking 10.64 seconds in the 100m—just 0.03 seconds shy of his world record. His performance helped cap off an electrifying four-day celebration of Paralympic athletics that brought 327 athletes from 26 nations together for the final Grand Prix of 2026.

Guity made history at Tokyo 2020 as Costa Rica's first-ever Paralympic gold medalist. This week, he added two more victories to his impressive season, completing the sprint double with a win in the 200m T64.

Ecuador's Kiara Rodriguez, fresh off three gold medals at the Para South American Games, dominated the women's 100m T46 with a time of 12.38. The double Paris 2024 champion and world record holder was nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards earlier this year for her outstanding achievements.

Home fans had their own heroes to celebrate. Colombia's 17-year-old rising star Angie Nicoll Mejia edged out double Paralympic champion Karen Palomeque in the women's 100m T38, winning in 12.04 seconds. Palomeque bounced back in the 200m, racing to victory in 24.99 seconds—missing her own world record by just 0.01 seconds.

Argentina's Brian Lionel Impellizzeri soared to 6.28 meters in the men's long jump T37, claiming another championship title. The reigning Paralympic and two-time world champion showed why he remains one of the sport's most consistent performers.

Dominican Republic's Darlenys de la Cruz Severino swept all three of her events, winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 400m T11. Mexico's Paralympic medalists also shined, with Rosa Maria Guerrero Cazares taking the discus throw F55 and Maria De Los Angeles Ortiz Hernandez winning the shot put F57.

Why This Inspires

These athletes prove that excellence knows no boundaries. Their performances weren't just about medals—they were statements of dedication, resilience, and the power of sport to unite communities across the Americas.

The Grand Prix traveled across four continents this season, bringing Paralympic athletics to fans in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Each stop showcased athletes pushing their limits and rewriting what's possible.

As the 13th season of the World Para Athletics Grand Prix wraps up in Colombia, these competitors have given the world something precious: proof that with determination and support, extraordinary achievements are within reach.