Amanda Kotaja’s Paralympic medal is the second in her career.
Joel Sippola,
Emma Jump
21:41•Updated 22:05
Amanda Kotaja achieved Finland’s third medal at the Paris Paralympics. She finished third in the women’s T54 class 100 meter race.
Kotaja’s time was 15.77. Belgium accelerated to victory Lea Bayekula (15.50) before the US Tatyana McFadden (15.67).
The Paralympic medal is Kotaja’s second in his career. He was silver three years ago in Tokyo.
Kotaja got a good start and was stuck in silver for a long time. However, the Finn’s end was not the best possible and he lost one place.
Earlier in the evening Leo-Pekka Tähti also won bronze in the same men’s category.
“I’d be lying if I said that”
– The atmosphere is good and maybe even confused. All the emotions come out, Kotaja became sensitive after the race.
Kotaja was satisfied with his medal, but wanted much more from the competition.
– I would be lying if I said that I didn’t go in search of gold. The girls rolled incredibly well, and I think I was able to make the race the way I wanted. It’s hard to say if there was still something that could have been done that would have gotten me into the golden ride.
Although there was still a lot to be proud of, according to Kotaja, it was his best competition final ever.
– My assessment was that the girls are in the best shape ever. We went even harder than I would have thought from the beginning. I am happy at the same time, but also a little disappointed.
Kotaja is now a two-time Paralympic medalist. It sounds nice to Kotaja’s ear.
– It feels good, Kotaja was happy.