Paralympian Sumit Antil recalled the times when he met with an accident back in 2015. The 26-year-old recently put in a stunning effort in the Paris Paralympics after defending his crown in the men’s javelin event. Back in 2021, the 26-year-old won the gold medal in Tokyo with a throw of 68.55 metres. In Paris, the para-athlete upped his game a notch up and finished on top with a massive throw of 70.59 metres.
Sumit said that after his accident, he found it tough to accept himself. It was in 2017 that Sumit started turning his life around after taking up javelin and, from there on, he did not look back and brought India glory in Paris and Tokyo. Sumit also said that people who suffer due to accidents are inspired by the achievements of para-athletes.
“When I met with an accident in 2015, there was very little awareness about Para Sports. Even I was not aware of it. But when I researched on it and got to know about it in 2017, I started javelin throw. When I won gold in Tokyo, people got to know about my achievement. I got a lot of messages on social media, saying ‘I also had an accident and doctors amputated a leg, but I am inspired seeing you’,” Sumit said in the India Today Mumbai 2024 Conclave.
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“When you are there in an accident, you break down completely. One thing is being specially-abled since childhood and the other is losing yourself after being fully fit. At that time, it’s tough to accept yourself and it took me two years to accept that I can do nothing about it,” Sumit said.
“Seeing us compete at the international level gives them motivation and hope. We can walk and run with the help of technology. It won’t take away the pain completely, but 50-60 percent of it reduces. When some of the people I knew had an accident, I went to meet them, their family said, ‘We were tensed, but after seeing you, we are relieved that we can be normal again’,” Sumit added.
Sumit Antil raises the bar in Paralympics 2024
Sumit went into the Paralympics as a strong contender, and he fulfilled expectations by winning gold with an outstanding performance. He shattered his own Paralympics record twice during his six throws, showcasing remarkable skill right from the start.
In Tokyo, Sumit had set a record with a throw of 68.55 metres. In Paris, he quickly surpassed that mark with his very first attempt, achieving 69.11 metres and taking the lead. The excitement continued as he launched an incredible throw of 70.59 meters, further extending his advantage.
Sumit’s third throw measured 66.66 meters, and his fourth was a foul. Nevertheless, he delivered another impressive throw of 69.04 meters on his fifth attempt, effectively sealing his victory and securing the gold medal.
