The 31-year-old Tunisian athlete, Raoua Tlili is Paralympic champion once again after winning gold in the F41 finals on the first day of athletics – this time with a new world record, 10.55m.
This is Tlili’s fifth Paralympic gold after claiming gold titles at Beijing 2008 (discus throw), London 2012 (shot put) and Rio 2016 – where she won both in shot put and discus throw. Tlili also has two silver medals under her belt.
Explaining her happiness over winning in today’s competition, said Tlili.
“I am very happy because this is my fourth Paralympic Games and my fourth gold medal, plus a world record (10.55).”
“I like this event because it was my first ever victory at a Games in Beijing 2008.”
“There is lots of work behind it. When I find some obstacles in my life it is not a problem for me because I am very strong to overcome them.”
“I have overcome my disability, so why can I not overcome the obstacles of my life?”
“In Tunisia, life’s rhythm is not like in Europe. So I am even happier to be able to defeat my problems.#
“With this medal I forget all my problems, all my fatigue, all obstacles.”
“I want to dedicate it to my father, who died. My dad was the first man who told me, ‘Raoua you are very strong, Raoua you are a great champion’.”
“I like all my journey to get here.”
Winning today’s medal, Tlili dedicates her victory to her late father.
