Argentina and Colombia announce London 2017 teams

Rio 2016 gold medallists will spearhead Argentina’s and Colombia’s teams at the World Para Athletics Championships in London, Great Britain, between 14-23 July.

Yanina Martinez, who won gold in the women’s 100m T36 at last year’s Paralympic Games, will be Argentina’s main medal hope. The 23-year-old is hoping to improve on her performance at the last Worlds in Doha, Qatar, in 2015, when she claimed one silver and one bronze medals.

Two-time Paralympic bronze medallist Hernan Barreto and Rio 2016 men’s shot put F35 silver medallist Hernan Urra will also be strong contenders to reach the podium in London.

Diego Martin Gonzalez, Daniel Tataren, Mariela Almada, Matias Puebla, Florencia Romero, Alain Villamarin, Braian Villarreal, Nicolas Aravena, Antonio Rodas, Alexis Acosta, Lis Scaroni, Alberto Cretton Salas and Jonathan Avellaneda will be the other 13 track and field athletes representing Argentina at this year’s World Championships.

At the same time, Colombia will send a strong 9-member delegation to London 2017, led by Mauricio Valencia, who sealed gold in the men’s javelin F34 at Rio 2016. He followed that up with silver in the shot put F34.

After winning silver in the men’s javelin F38, Luis Lucumi is confident of claiming his first world medal this year, whilst Dixon Hooker aims to successfully defend his title from Doha 2015, where he won the men’s 400m T38.

Two-time Rio 2016 bronze medallist Maritza Arango, guided by Jonathan Sanchez, will be another big name competing in the British capital city.

Colombia’s other four track and field athletes at London 2017 are Weiner Diaz, Jose Belizario, Cristian Torres, Erika Castano and Jose Pizo.

More information about this year’s World Para Athletics Championships can be found on the official website.