Athletics – Handisports |31 August 2023

Men’s shot put silver medallist Sophola (Photo: Roland Duval)

Silver medals for Richard Sophola and Rosie Coralie in shot put

Following the exploits of Frederick Gappy in swimming on Sunday, and Michael Andrew on Tuesday in athletics, two more handisports athletes, namely Richard Sophola and Rosie Coralie have brought their contribution to Team Seychelles’ medals tally, chipping in one silver medal each yesterday.

Sophola and Coralie were competing in the shot put throw contest on day two of the athletics competition of the 11th Indian Ocean Islands Games at the Alarobia Stadium, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

In the men’s competition, Sophola threw the shot put a distance of 8.15m, finishing second to bring home the silver medal.

As for Coralie, she finished second in the women’s competition with a distance of 7.02m.

Speaking to Sports NATION, Sophola said he could have done better and clinch the gold medal if it was not for an injury in his right shoulder.

He explained that he could feel the pain whenever he stretched his shoulder, but out of determination, he chose to ignore it and compete for his country.

The silver medallist further added that the Mauritian who won the gold medal was not better than him, considering his winning performance.

As for Corallie, she admitted that the competition was tough but she managed to take home the silver medal.

She thanked her head coach Jean Vardin, coach Rency Balgobin, and everyone from the Special Olympics Seychelles who have helped in preparation for the Games.

So far, the handisports athletes have contributed four medals – three silver and one bronze – to Team Seychelles’ tally.

On Sunday in the 50m freestyle, swimmer Gappy clocked 33.40 seconds to finish second, while on Tuesday, Andrew completed the 100m in third place in 12.39 seconds.

Roland Duval