U.S. PARALYMPICS: Galli Sets World Record at Swiss Series
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2007
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Two-time U.S. Paralympian Jessica Galli (Savoy, Ill./Hillsborough, N.J.) set a new world record in the women’s wheelchair (T53) 400m at the 2007 European Wheelchair Championships Swiss Selection Meet World Series, June 7 in Pratteln, Switzerland.
Galli finished the 400m race with a time of 55.82 defeating the previous world record set by Tanni Grey-Thompson of Great Britain with a time of 56.28 in 2003.
“I’m really excited and it’s a great honor,” said Galli. “I feel like it’s a confirmation of all the hard work I’ve been putting in over the last two years − I’ve been concentrating on the sprint and I guess it’s been paying off.”
On breaking Tanni-Grey-Thompson’s record, Galli said, “It’s a little bittersweet to break her record but I see it is a sign that we are moving on. She’s retired and the next generation is coming up."
"Jessica has established herself among top racers in the world," said National Team coach Kevin Orr. "Jessica's performance speaks well of her preparations towards Beijing and is a good step with the Paralympic Games fourteen months ago.
Up next: Galli will be competing at the 2007 U.S.\Paralympics Track and Field National Championships, June 30-July 2 in Marietta, Ga.
