Irmgard Bensusan has won the first medal for the German Disabled Sports Association at the Para World Championships for Track and Field Championships in Dubai. The South African-born Leverkusen player won gold over 200 meters in 26.93 seconds. "At the finish, I thought I was second, apparently I'm too used to winning silver," said the 28-year-old.
Bensusan was previously three times first and eleven times second at World and European Championships and Paralympics. "I was surprised when the German flag was pushed into my hand, but I was all the happier when I saw that I won."
Bensusan, who has a German mother, was formerly South African champion in the hurdle sprint. At 18, she remained at the national championships at a hurdle. "I looked at my leg and could only scream," she says. The diagnosis was "drop foot", a nerve damage. Her right leg is partially paralyzed since then.