Canada’s Greg Stewart has repeated as Paralympic F46 shot put champion.
The seven-foot-two thrower won his nation its third gold of the Games on Wednesday morning, with a season best 16.38 metre throw at Stade de France.
Stewart bested India’s Sarjerao Sachin Khilari by 0.06 metres, Luka Bakovic of Croatia won bronze. The 38-year-old’s throw was 0.37 metres short of his Paralympic record, set at the 2021 Toyko Games.
“Maybe in a day or two I will be able to tell you how I feel,” Stewart said, to CBC Sports. “I am not really sure yet.
“It was a pretty fun competition. Our sport is growing a lot. We have three guys throwing over 16 (metres) in this final.”
After winning gold in Tokyo, the Kamloops, B.C. native announced his retirement from competition in 2022. But Stewart returned to the field event ring just over a year later, unhappy being away from the sport he loved.
And the Canuck says he isn’t done yet.
“I am going to go on to L.A. [the 2028 Games],” he said. “This one is just half way.
“I wanted to come back and continue supporting the Paralympic movement, and support athletes any way we can.”
Before Stewart began training in shot, he had a successful sitting volleyball career, winning bronze medals at the Parapan American Games in 2007 and 2011.
In 2024 he also co-wrote a children’s book called Stand Out, with author Sean Campbell, and illustrator Lana Lee.
After being born with part of his left arm missing, and growing to the height of seven-foot-two, Stewart said he struggled with the feeling of not fitting in. The book demonstrates to young readers the importance of perseverance.
