Kippens athlete Katarina Roxon shattered two national records at the recent Boiling Point Wheelchair Track Classic International Championships in Windsor, Ont.
She competed in five events – the 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,500-metre races – scoring getting four personal best times and five gold medals in the T46 category.
“It was extremely hot as usual at this competition that we come to every year,” said Leonard Roxon, Katarina’s father and coach. “She did the 400-m, 800-m and 1,500-m in the afternoon when the sun was at its peak. Despite that, she had amazing races.”
She broke the 1,500-m national record by more than 63 seconds, with a time of 6:08.20. The previous record stood for 23 years with a time of 7:11.36, set by Janelle Rue in 1988.
The other national record set by Katarina was in the 400-m race, with a time of 1:08.14. The previous record was her own mark at 1:10.70, which she set last year at the same competition.
“She said she was very tired and her legs were a little sore, but apart from that she felt very good,” said Leonard. “This is the first time she has run five races in a six-hour session, especially in an international track competition, but has performed like a real trooper from the rock.”
After spending three days in Whitby, Katarina is heading to Gatineau, Que. for the Can-Am International Swimming Championships.
