New Zealand Paralympic athlete, Kate Horan finished fifth in the Diamond League athletics event in Paris over the weekend, but has a momento to remember the trip.
The Wellington sprinter who was a silver medalist at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics completed the 100T44 race in a time of 13.68 seconds. The winner was German Katrin Green in 13.4 seconds followed by Frenchwoman, Marie-Amelie Le Fur and American April Holmes in third.
With the race being the first time international Paralympic athletes had been invited to compete in the prestigious Diamond League events Horan was thrilled to have an opportunity to be on the same track as some of the world's best able-bodied athletes.
Although Horan was disappointed with her time there were other aspects she was pleased with.
"I had a crap time and terrible run, but it was a great opportunity and I met some great people, which was really inspiring," she said, however the photo she has with the worlds fastest man, Usain Bolt will take pride and place on her mantle piece back home and is the best souvenir she said she could have, aside from a gold medal.
Official results and times from Paris, Diamond League
1 GREEN, Katrin GER 13.40
2 LE FUR, Marie-Amélie FRA 13.50
3 HOLMES, April USA 13.68
*5 HORAN, Kate NZL 14.29
