Lisa Adams Wins Gold At World Para Athletics Championships

New Zealand is officially on the medal table at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships thanks to a golden return to track and field from Lisa Adams in the Women’s Shot Put F37 final.

Adams opened her competition with a massive 13.83m throw in the first round, taking her out to the lead in the competition which Adams never relinquished.

Despite two fouls mid-series, Adams’ opening mark was more than enough to secure gold and New Zealand’s first medal of the championships. Her performance further cements her dominance in the F37 shot put, where she holds both the championship record (14.80m) and the world record (15.50m).

The silver medal went to Irina Vertinskaia, competing as a Neutral Para Athlete, with a best throw of 12.95m. Na Mi of China claimed bronze with a top mark of 12.28m.

Her victory in New Delhi adds another chapter to a remarkable career that includes world titles in 2019 and 2023, and a Paralympic gold in Tokyo 2020.

Diagnosed with left hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, Adams began her para-athletics journey in 2018 and quickly rose to prominence. Her win here reaffirms her dominance in the F37 shot put and marks a triumphant return to the top of the podium.

Sprinter Anna Grimaldi looked sharp and composed in the heats of the Women’s 100m T47, qualifying second in her heat with a time of 12.41s. The 2024 Paralympic 200m champion will face a stacked final, including:

Kiara Rodriguez (Ecuador) – 2024 Paralympic 100m Champion – 12.10s

Brittni Mason (USA) – World Record Holder

Marie Ngoussou Ngouyi (France) – 16-year-old rising star – PB of 12.33s

Will Stedman made light work of his Men’s 400m T36 heat, cruising to a time of 55.16s. The Christchurch-based athlete looked relaxed and in control, setting himself up well for the final.

About the Championships

The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships are being held in New Delhi, India, at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the same venue that hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The stadium has been transformed into a global stage for para-athletics, welcoming over 1,300 athletes from around the world across 10 days of competition. For many, this championship is a key stepping stone toward the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.

About Athletics NZ:

Athletics NZ is the national governing body of Athletics in New Zealand. Athletics NZ exists to deliver great athletics experiences. We work with our partners, sponsors and stakeholders across New Zealand to support our growing network of clubs, communities and their members.

We provide an affiliation and support structure that aims to ensure there are safe, fun and accessible opportunities for all to participate, from pre-schoolers through to adults.

As a World Athletics member, Athletics New Zealand is tasked with enhancing and promoting all aspects of athletics activity in New Zealand. From grass roots community participation to international high-performance competition, disciplines include track and field athletics, cross country running, mountain running, road running, road walking as well as associated programmes and development initiatives.

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