Ukraine and Indonesia Shine With 15 Golds Each in Tunis

When Ukrainian thrower Pavlo Shabliy launched his discus 14.16 meters at the Tunis Grand Prix, he didn't just win gold. He shattered a world record and reminded everyone why Para athletics keeps breaking barriers.

The 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix brought together Paralympic stars from around the world at Tunisia's Rades Athletics Stadium from June 16 to 19. Athletes delivered four days of spectacular competition that showcased both veteran champions and rising stars.

Ukraine's team dominated with 15 gold medals, led by Shabliy's record-breaking discus throw in the F51 class. His new mark beat Algeria's Mohamed Berrahal's previous record of 13.66 meters set just a year earlier at the same venue.

Paris 2024 double gold medalist Ihor Tsvietov added two more victories to his collection in the 100m and 200m T35 races. Fellow Ukrainian champions Anastasiia Moskalenko, Mariia Pomazan, Nataliia Kobzar, and Yuliia Shuliar all proved their Paris performances were no fluke.

Indonesia matched Ukraine's 15 golds with breakthrough performances from their own Paris medalists. Saptoyogo Purnomo, who won Indonesia's first medal at the Paris Paralympics, claimed victories in both the 100m and 200m T37 events with a winning time of 23.88 in the 200m.

Two-time world champion Karisma Evi Tiarani dominated her events with a 3.96-meter long jump and a 14.51-second 100m victory. Indonesia's younger generation also stepped up, many fresh from success at the ASEAN Para Games and Asian Youth Para Games.

Host nation Tunisia finished third overall with 10 golds from 25 total medals. Eight-time Paralympic champion Raoua Tlili thrilled home crowds by winning both the shot put and discus F41 events, launching the discus an impressive 35.61 meters.

Five-time Paralympic champion Walid Ktila took gold in the 100m T34, bouncing back from his silver medal performance in Paris. The world record holder crossed the finish line in 15.50 seconds to reclaim his title.

Why This Inspires

These athletes aren't just competing. They're rewriting what's possible and building momentum toward October's Asian Para Games.

Morocco's Aymane El Haddaoui repeated his Paris success in the 400m T47, while Algeria's Nassima Saifi swept both throwing events in her class. Uzbekistan, future hosts of the World Para Athletics Championships, secured fourth place with eight golds.

The competition proved that global Para athletics continues growing stronger with each event. Next stop: Olomouc, Czechia, for an all-women's Grand Prix in July.