Shenely Tromp wins Aruba first ever medal

The T13 sprinter claimed silver in the women’s 100m T12-13 at the Sao Paulo 2017 Youth Parapan American Games. 25 Mar 2017
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Shenely Tromp made history at Sao Paulo 2017 winning 100m silver, Aruba's first ever medal.

Shenely Tromp made history at Sao Paulo 2017 winning 100m silver, Aruba's first ever medal.

ⒸAruban Paralympic Committee

Shenely Tromp made history at the fourth Youth Parapan American Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Wednesday (22 March) by claiming Aruba’s first ever medal at a Paralympic, Parapan Am or Youth Parapan Am Games.

The T13 sprinter sealed silver in the women’s 100m T12-13 with a time of 15.11, behind Dominican Republic’s Manuela Santana (14.17). Argentina´s Blanca Cerrudo (15.63) completed the podium.

“It is just a great feeling, I never imagined I would achieve this,” said Tromp. “The best part is that I could represent my country well.”

The Aruban made her international debut at the Youth Parapans, where she performed to the best of her abilities.

“Winning this medal is unreal, I was just trying my best,” she said. “The Youth Parapan American Games are very important because all the young athletes from the Americas have the chance to compete against each other, have fun and enjoy a great experience.”

Tromp was also amazed at the Brazilian Paralympic Centre, a major structural legacy of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. “It looks great,” she said.

She is now hoping her success in Sao Paulo will act as springboard ahead of future events.

“I would like to compete at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games and, hopefully, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as well,” she said.

In March 2016, Tromp took part in a training camp and national competition in La Havana, Cuba, organised by the Agitos Foundation, the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee.

“Being part of that event helped me grow. The Agitos Foundation has been very important for me,” she said. “Someday I want to become a professional runner and travel around the world.

“I also dream of having more great experiences and, why not, compete at a Paralympics one day.”

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Sao Paulo 2017 features over 800 athletes from 19 countries competing across 12 sports: athletics, boccia, football 5, football 7, goalball, judo, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.

The last edition at Buenos Aires 2013 attracted more than 600 athletes from 16 countries, who competed across 10 sports. Brazil topped the medal table and 15 countries reached the podium at least once.

Barquisimeto, Venezuela, staged the inaugural edition in 2005, with athletes from 10 countries competing, whilst a total of 14 countries attended the event in Bogota, Colombia, in 2009.

For more information, visit Sao Paulo 2017’s website. saopaulo2017.com/site/