July 6, 2007
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.– U.S. Paralympics Track and Field National Team members took home five of 12 world records set at the 2007 Meet in the Heat wheelchair competition in Atlanta, Ga., June 28-29.
Among these are Jessica Galli (Savoy, Ill.) with three new world records in the women’s T53 division in the 200, 400, and 800m races and Josh George (Champaign, Ill.) with the world record in the men’s T53 800m.
“The recent performances are proof of the synergy and commitment of talented athletes, great coaching and an excellent training environment,” said Troy Engle, Head Coach, U.S. Paralympic Track & Field National Team.
Galli finished the 400m with a time of 55.42 topping her own record time of 55.82, which she set at the Swiss Series in June. In the 200m she won with a time of 29.51 and in the 800m, finished in 1:49.82.
The previous world record in the 200m was 29.66 set by Tanni Grey-Thompson (Great Britain) in 2004. Thompson also held the record in 800m with 1:55.12 set in 1996.
George broke the record set by Heinz Frei of Switzerland with a time of 1:37.94. Frei’s time was set at 1:38.02 in 1997.
“It was the second time I broke a record – but this time I didn’t expect it,” said George. “When I started out the race I was a little tight for the first 300 meters or so before I felt comfortable, and when I came across the line and they said I got the record I was shocked.”
Both athletes have been nominated to the team that will compete at the 2007 Parapan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 12-19.
