Lima 2019: Omara Durand recognised for stunning career

Paralympic champion leaves her handprints alongside those of Usain Bolt in Peru 23 Aug 2019

a female Para athlete places her hands in cement to leave prints

's handprints will be displayed alongside Usain Bolt's in the stadium's Walk of Fame

ⒸLima 2019

By APC

Multiple Cuban Paralympic champion Omara Durand lived an emotional day when she received a deserved recognition from the Lima 2019 Organising Committee and the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) for her successful career.

Durand, who will be competing in the sixth Parapan American Games in the Peruvian capital, stamped her hands on a cement plate that will later be exhibited at the VIDENA Athletics Stadium Walk of Fame along with those of the Jamaica’s eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt.

a female Para athlete unveils a plaque with her name on it — Durand was honoured ahead of competing at Lima 2019

"I'm so excited. My coach says it's hard for me to cry, but now I was surprised by all this. I did not expect that. This moment is one of the happiest in my career,” said the fastest Paralympic woman sprinter in the world.

“I hope to win medals because I’m well prepared. I’m very grateful to leave my mark in the stadium. Thank you for making me enjoy a beautiful moment.”

a female Para athlete cries holding her eyes — She was overcome with emotion at receiving the recognition

Her guide Yuniol Kindelán and coach Miriam Ferrer also participated in the celebration.

The newly elected President of the APC, Julio Cesar Avila attended the event alongside IPC President Andrew Parsons, the President of Lima 2019 Carlos Neuhaus and the President of the National Paralympic Association of Peru, Lucha Villar.

"It’s an honour to be part of this tribute," Avila said. “This represents a huge recognition for the sport in the continent.”

Parsons added: “It is a joy to be with Omara, the fastest woman in the world. She is an example of a Paralympian. It is exciting that she can leave her mark, because she is an icon of the Paralympic Movement and an example for the youth.”