PARIS — Belgian athlete Peter Genyn added another medal to his illustrious Paralympic career on Tuesday, clinching bronze in the 200-metre T51 category at the Stade de France. Genyn’s podium finish is Belgium’s third medal at the Paris Paralympic Games, showcasing his resilience and determination despite recent challenges.
Genyn’s journey to the medal stand was marked by personal and physical hurdles. The sprinter, who has previously dominated the Paralympic track, faced a tough build-up to the Paris Games due to a shoulder injury.
Nevertheless, his performance in the 200-metre race reflected his tenacity and skill. Genyn’s celebration after the race was a testament to the joy and relief he felt, having overcome significant adversity to achieve this result.
This bronze medal is a significant addition to Genyn’s Paralympic achievements. The athlete has now earned five Paralympic medals across his career. He claimed double gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, winning in the 100 and 400 metres. At the Tokyo 2020 Games, Genyn added gold in the 100 metres and silver in the 200 metres to his collection.
While Genyn’s performance was a high point for Belgium, the expectations for world champion and record holder Roger Habsch in the 200-metre T51 category were unmet. Habsch, who was anticipated to secure a medal, finished fifth.
The Liège-based athlete had been struggling with the lingering effects of a Covid-19 infection, which impacted his preparation and performance. Despite this setback, Habsch remains focused on the upcoming 100-metre race, where he and Genyn will both be competing.
The evening also saw other Belgian athletes in action. Selma Van Kerm competed in the T37 category 400-metre final and finished eighth. Despite not securing a medal, Van Kerm’s participation highlighted Belgium’s broad representation across various Paralympic events.
Equestrian Barbara Minneci, competing in Grade III, finished seventh in the individual test with her horse, Stuart. This result was sufficient to qualify her for the Saturday freestyle competition, where the top eight competitors will showcase their skills.
In the pool, swimmer Tatyana Lebrun struggled to make an impact in the 100-metre butterfly stroke. The Liège native finished 14th in the heats and did not advance to the final, missing the opportunity to challenge for a medal.
Belgium’s Paralympic team continues to demonstrate their strength and dedication across a range of sports, and with more events on the horizon, the country’s athletes remain focused on adding to their medal tally.
As the Games progress, all eyes will be on Genyn, Habsch, and their teammates as they aim to build on their impressive performances and push for further success.
The Paris Paralympic Games are set to continue with more exciting events and performances, and the Belgian team will look to capitalize on their achievements as they strive for excellence in the coming days.
