Swiss Para-Athlete Catherine Debrunner Wins 5000m T54 Gold at World Para Athletics Championships

New Delhi – Swiss para-athlete Catherine Debrunner continued her remarkable run at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships on Sunday, clinching gold in the women’s 5000m T54 final at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Debrunner, a standout performer at last year’s Paris Games with five golds and a silver, further cemented her legacy by finishing ahead of China’s Tian Yajuan and Switzerland’s Patricia Eachus, clocking 12:18.29. Prior to this, she had already amassed five golds and three silvers at the World Championships.

Reflecting on her first visit to India, the 30-year-old said, “It’s my first time in India, and it has been a totally different culture and country than I am used to. It’s definitely a very different experience.” She also shared her thoughts on the championship’s new Mondo track: “The newly-laid Mondo track takes a while before you get really quick. Nevertheless, it’s a decent track, and it’s a really good stadium. Thank you very much for welcoming us here.”

Debrunner began her athletic journey at the age of eight and has become a legend in para sports. In 2023, she was honoured with the ‘Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability’ award.

“I’ve met so many amazing people and athletes over the years, some of whom I’ve known for 20 years. Growing not just as an athlete but also as a person has been amazing. Living my passion every day is the nicest thing I can imagine,” she said, expressing gratitude for her journey.

With inputs from IANS