By Owen Morgan
Shot putter Kyron Duke claimed a silver medal on a successful first day for Great Britain at the European Para Athletics Championships in Poland.
The Disability Sport Wales Para Academy athlete finished second in the F41 shot put as British athletes claimed four medals in Bydgoszcz.
The first three rounds of the competition were completed in reasonably fine conditions with Duke claiming a best of 13.39m during the first half of the competition.
However, the rain started to pour during the final three throws so there was no improvement for the Newport athlete.
The 2019 World Para Athletics Championships bronze medallist’s third round throw earned his place on the podium with Poland’s Bartosz Tyszkowski winning with a best of 13.51m.
Duke, who is targeting a medal at the Paralympics in Tokyo later this summer, said: “I’m really happy to be fair, and so is my coach.
Sir Duke 🎶@dukey_devil‘s best throw of the F41 men’s shot put was the one to secure him European silver 🥈#Bydgoszcz2021 pic.twitter.com/cKZncEPnVx
— C4 Paralympics (@C4Paralympics) June 1, 2021
“We are training through this championship to get ready for Tokyo, so this result is acceptable and I’m making good progress ahead of the Paralympic Games.
“The first three throws were dry and nice. Then, literally after the split, it was a downpour, so I couldn’t make an improvement. But I’m happy with today.”
Earlier in the day, GB’s Columba Blango produced the best run of his career as he won gold in the men’s T20 400m, while there were also bronze medals for Ola Abidogun [T47 100m] and Emily Stewart [F38 Discus].
Duke is one of seven Welsh athletes taking part in the five day championships.
Wednesday’s morning session features Clydach Vale’s Rhys Jones competing in the T37 100m final, while the evening’s session sees double Welsh Commonwealth Games gold medallist Olivia Breen line up in the women’s T38 100m.
On Thursday, Caerphilly’s John Bridge makes his senior GB debut in the men’s T47 400m final.
Breen is in action once again on Friday morning when she competes in the women’s T38 long jump final, while Jones returns in the men’s T37 200m final in the evening session.
Also on Friday evening, former Ospreys forward Harrison Walsh competes in the men’s F64 discus final.
The championships final day on Saturday sees Welsh Para superstar Aled Davies in action in the men’s F63 shot put final, while reigning T33 100m European sprint champion Harri Jenkins of Neath goes in the men’s T33/34 100m final.
All the action from Poland is being live streamed on the Channel 4 Paralympics website.