PARIS — Namibian sprinters Chris Kinda and Ananias Shikongo have successfully advanced to the semifinals of the men’s T11 100-meter race at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, following standout performances during the track and field events on day six.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships champion in the 400m and the 400m Paralympic Games silver medalist, along with his guide Kelvin Goagoseb, finished second in heat two. They were bested by 2020 Paralympic Games gold medalist and world record holder Athanasios Ghavelas of Greece, who, with his guide Ioannis Nyfantopoulos, posted a seasonal best of 11.16 seconds. Ananias Shikongo, Namibia’s 2016 Paralympic Games gold medalist, and his guide Even Tjiuiju, clinched victory in heat five with a seasonal best time of 11.39 seconds, securing their spot in the semifinals.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), features athletes with various disabilities competing in a wide range of sports. Team Namibia’s performance at these games has been commendable, previously highlighted by T11 female sprinter Lahja Ishitile and her guide Sem Shimanda winning a gold medal. Furthermore, at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, Team Namibia brought home two medals: a silver by Ananias Shikongo and a bronze by Johannes Nambala.