The New York City Marathon has been one of the most awaited events for many of the racing and marathon enthusiasts. Marking its presence on November 5th, the marathon is prepared to welcome about 50,000 participants from across the world. The 26-mile course running through the city of New York will be hosting its 52nd edition and with the new season, the event is speculated to witness something extraordinary.
Amongst the various divisions embraced by the marathon, the wheelchair doesn’t fail to stand out. The para-athletes hold not just strength and determination but also strong stances backing the inspiration they exude. Following with that, Swiss athlete, Catherine Debrunner has taken the spot as a topic of discussion.
Will the New York City marathon witness a new record?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Catherine Debrunner is a Swiss Athlete and teacher popular for her performances. The athlete has competed for Team Switzerland at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships winning gold and silver. But what sparks the ‘record-breaking’ conversations is her stats. Catherine currently holds the impressive numbers of finishing 40k in an hour and 34 minutes. The enthusiasts thus speculate the athlete to set a new record.
Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland's 40K split in the women's wheelchair-division race is 1:34:00; she will almost certainly set a new course record.
— TCS New York City Marathon (@nycmarathon) November 5, 2023
Catherine Debrunner suffered a birth defect in her spine which obliged her to be confined to a wheelchair. However, after meeting her future trainer and coach Paul Odermatt during a sports camp, the athlete knew to stir her life in the direction that called for her. Stealing growing in her field, Catherine is now known as a track specialist at distances from 400 to 1,500 meters; owning numerous titles to her name.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Catherine takes on a new venture
Initially in her career, Catherine was primarily focused on 400 to 1500 meters. Competing in the range earned the 28-year-old numerous accolades. 5 gold and 3 silvers at the World Championships are the best-defined moments for the rising athlete. However, that isn’t all that is to her name. In 2016, she competed at the Rio Paralympics finishing 7th, and then made her way to the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships.
Also Read: Ethiopia Wins Big As American Rival Repeats The Miracle From 2017 in New York City Marathon 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But in 2022, she moved up a step to compete in her first marathon at the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series. Starting from there on, Catherine had stepped on her winning streak. A gold in the Berlin Marathon and a new record set in the London Marathon were the new feats of the youngster. Back again, she set four new records at the Nottwil Para event in Switzerland. Her remarkable achievements in each stride earned the athlete Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. “To win this amazing award is a huge childhood dream that comes true,” Catherine expressed in her speech.
Watch this story:?The Man Who Saved New York from Bankruptcy Extending The Prestigious Marathon Beyond Central Park?