Seychelles’ handisports athletes once again demonstrated their strength and determination on the second day of athletics at the CJSOI Games, adding another gold medal and three bronze to the country’s medal tally, following another standout performance, the highlight for Team Seychelles at the Games on Day 6 of the competition.
Leading the charge was Verney Joubert, who blazed down the track in the 100m sprint, securing gold in dominant fashion. Joubert’s explosive start left his competitors chasing shadows as he crossed the finish line well ahead of the field.
In the same discipline, Mia Laboudalin and Elisha Brutus were not as fast and successful but they also shone nontheless, each capturing a bronze medal in their respective 100m events, earning Seychelles two more well-deserved podium finishes in the handisports category.
Adding to the medal haul in the field events was Moustache, who delivered a strong performance in the high jump to claim another bronze for the team. His ability to rise to the occasion ensured Team Seychelles first podium finish on the day, much to the delight of a sizable contingent of local supporters cheering them on in spite of popular showdowns in volleyball and basketball involving Team Seychelles elsewhere.
Outside of handisports, Seychelles’ sole medal in able-bodied athletics came from Drian Payet, who ran a brave and intense race in the 400m hurdles to clinch bronze. Payet’s race was nothing short of remarkable after a dicey start which saw him clipped the first hurdle and stumbled slightly, losing momentum and falling behind the leaders.
However, he showed incredible composure and resilience, quickly regaining his rhythm and focusing on catching his opponents in the long bend 200 metres from the finish line. He launched a determined charge down the straight overtaking several competitors in a thrilling sprint to the line.
His fighting spirit was rewarded with a third-place finish and overcome with emotion, he punched the air in celebration as he crossed the line — a true display of heart and perseverance.
His efforts however did little to convince those watching that Seychelles could be a growing presence on the track and field in the final days of the competition, as others who took to the track or field before and after him, struggled to make an impact.
But through the exceptional performances of its handisports athletes, who have now contributed multiple medals across disciplines, Team Seychelles will be looking to them to continue to fly the flag high with pride and determination as the athletics competition progresses.
