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via Reuters

via Reuters

The Paralympians are contesting in some intense matches at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics 2020. The games started on the 24th of September and will conclude on the 5th of August.

Many athletes have reached their dreams of podium finishes. The excitement and joy are indeed incredible after winning a Paralympic medal.

Roderick celebrates with customized belt at Tokyo Paralympics 2020

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Team USA’s Roderick Townsend performed stunningly in the high jump, putting him straight at the gold position of the Paralympic podium. Townsend won in the high jump T47 category. Now he will turn his attention to the long jump T47 event tomorrow.

Notably, he was the reigning champion in both the events, long jump, and high jump. Roderick came to defend his Rio Paralympics 2016 titles and has already won one.

Interestingly, Townsend was confident about winning and had also brought himself a personalized gift. He even established the world record; breaking his own in the high jump event.

After winning the medal, Roderick revealed the gift that he had brought for himself. The gift was a customized belt as he became the Paralympic champion at his second Paralympic Games. With all the mental pressure athletes go through, Roderick deserves all the appreciation, even from his own self.

Paralympic champion Roderick is a versatile athlete

Townsend faced permanent nerve damage to his right arm and shoulder since his birth. However, nothing stopped him from making his athletic career.

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Interestingly, he was also the captain of his high school football team. Although, his journey as a para-athlete started in 2015. He started competing in different events like triple jump, long jump, high jump.

Roderick did not restrict himself, and within two years, he established a new world record. He even worked as an athletic coach at the Northern Arizona University.

Although after winning medals at the Rio Olympics 2016, Roderick almost retired from the track in 2018. But it was the desire in him to give himself the chance to explore his abilities as an athlete that kept him going.

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USA’s Paralympic star has successfully defended one of his titles. He will hopefully defend another one too at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020.

Also read: USA Olympic Star Gabby Thomas Reacts to Comparisons to Wonder Woman and FloJo