Two gold medals at this year's World Championships, a memorable run at the Diamond League in Eugene – interview with Luca Ekler, the Hungarian world class para athlete.
The World Para Athletics Championships held in Kobe, Japan, have just ended and one of the stars of the event was Luca Ekler, supervisor of the Inclusive Sports Education Specialization at the Hungarian University of Sports Science (TF). She won 1-1 gold medal in the women’s 100m T38 and the long jump final, respectively, at the KOBE2024 World Para Athletics Championships.
Having won two WC titles, she added two gold medals to her World Championship collection, making her a six-time World Champion. Last year in Paris, she competed in the 100m, 200m, 400m and long jump, winning silver in the former and gold in the latter three.
"This was the second competition of the season, my coach László Szalma and I had not planned a long competition programme, which proved to be a wise and good decision," said the 25-year-old athlete. “Yes, at this year's World Championships I only entered two events. I skipped the 200m heat because it is not on the programme for the Paralympics to be held in Paris at the end of August, and the 400m heat for the reason I mentioned earlier: to avoid having too busy a day, and I already have my Olympic quota."
Luca finished third in women's 100m heat at the Diamond League held in Eugene a few days later.
"In April, I was approached by the organisers in Eugene to see if I could fit in time to compete in the Diamond League after the World Championships in Kobe, because they wanted me to do it. I couldn't say no to this honourable request and I don't regret it. It was a great experience to be part of this world famous event. It's been a busy time for me and all in all, I can be extremely satisfied."
There are three months to go until the opening of the Paralympics in Paris, which is a long time in competitive sport, and there is plenty of time to improve her technique and form. Luca has already won a gold medal at the Paralympics and will have a chance to do the same in Paris this year - but how many will she win?
"At the moment it is very difficult to say anything about my chances, but I am in a good shape, I have been racing easily the last few days," said Luca Ekler. "Looking at the results of my competitors, I am the favourite for the Olympic title in the long jump, but we still have to work on my running, although I have good results already. One thing is for sure: we will continue to work honestly, because my own example proves that honest work pays off."
Photo by World Para Athletics
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