FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Noelle Lenihan from Charleville set a new world record, and won silver for discus at the IPC Paralympic Athletics World Championships in Doha yesterday.
The teenager set a new F38 world record of 31.64m with her second throw, which was a lifetime best for Ms Lenihan.
This mark was the best of her six attempts and secured her the silver medal behind F37 reigning Paralympic champion Na Mi of China with a winning mark of 33.59m.
Ms Lenihan said: “I got a PB, world record and silver medal in my first major championship. I turn 16 in a few days time so naturally I’m going to gain more experience and improve my explosive power which can only result in further improvement. But for today I’m delighted!
“My Dad, who’s my coach, and my older siblings are all here in the crowd supporting me which is very special.”Today will be the Irish team’s busiest day in Doha with four Irish athletes competing, two of whom are from Cork.
Discus thrower Orla Barry, from Lady’s Bridge, will compete in the F57 Discus final today, and John McCarthy, the Paralympian wheelchair racer who is originally from Dunmanway, will line up in the heats of the T51m 100m.
26 October 2015; Ireland’s Noelle Lenihan, left, from Charleville, Co. Cork, celebrates on the podium after winning silver in the Women’s Discus F37. IPC Athletics World Championships. Doha, Qatar. Picture credit: Marcus Hartmann / SPORTSFILE