Second Gold for Ireland at IPC Athletics World Championships

Catherine Wayland secured Ireland's second gold medal of the IPC Athletics World Championships when she took top spot in the F51 Discuss in Christchurch, New Zealand today.

Wayland from New Ross in Wexford added gold to the Club throw silver she won last Saturday with a seasons best performance of 5.89m.

Following the presentation of her gold medal, Wayland said, "Everything has come together for me performance wise here in New Zealand. I could never have imagined coming away from the World Championships with a gold and a silver medal "

Irish Team Manager, James Nolan commented, "Catherine carried the confidence gained from her silver medal win in the club into the discus event today, improving on her seasons best. This has been a magnificent Championships for Catherine and the Irish team"

European champion Orla Barry just missed out on a podium finish in the F57 Discuss throw event. The Cork woman's throw of 28.95m, the third best of her career, left her fourth overall

After the event Barry said, "I am happy with the distance but naturally disappointed to miss out on a major championship medal. Its head down now and focus on a podium position at the Paralympic Games in London"

Yesterday Michael McKillop broke his own world record by 0.49sec in setting a new T37 800m world record of 1.58.90 when he claimed the Irish team's first gold medal of the Championships.

The Irish Team in New Zealand made up of eight athletes has delivered two gold medals, one silver medal and two world records.