Paralympics: Shot put gold medal under appeal by US

By GREG ANSLEY

SYDNEY - A New Zealand gold medal hung in the balance early today as Paralympic officials considered an appeal lodged by the United States as Hamilton shot-putter Peter Martin prepared for the medal ceremony.

Martin had originally won silver in the F53 shot put after his best throw of 7.59m fell well below his world record and short of the new Paralympic record of 7.97m set by big American Val Don Jacobson, an Atlanta gold medallist in the discus and a clear threat before competition began.

But as Martin paused to speak to reporters on his way off the field, apparently with silver, disability classifiers ruled Jacobsen ineligible for the F53 class and disqualified him.

Late last night the US blocked the medal presentation with an appeal. A hearing will be held this morning.

While Martin's gold was in dispute, Auckland rider Jayne Craike, on leading Australian horse Neverselde Samonienen, won silver in the Grade 4 mixed individual test.

If Martin's victory is confirmed, New Zealand's medal tally will stand at four gold, six silver and two bronze.

While Martin's gold is still uncertain, Jacobsen's eligibility was in doubt even as he was strapped into the throwing frame.

Classifiers, apparently suspicious of the American before the event, were present on their own initiative to watch him throw and made their decision as the athletes left the field.

Martin greeted news of his elevation from silver to gold - flashed on the scoreboard as he talked to journalists - with mixed feelings.

"If they've changed it, I'm happy," he said. "But that guy will be shattered. I know what that feels like ... I feel for that guy."

Until the news of the possible gold, it had not been the best day for Martin, who was suffering from a bladder infection, minor injuries and difficulties with the strapping of his throwing frame.

"I was below par - I didn't quite have as much as I wanted, but that's the way it happens sometimes," he said. "I've been a bit crook lately - little niggling injuries, and that doesn't help. I was hoping for something better, but it didn't quite happen."

Craike's silver was won with a total final score of 66.22 points, 11.55 behind gold medallist Ann Evenrud, of Norway. Denmark's Charlotte Johansen captured bronze.

"It feels absolutely brilliant," Craike said. "Really, really, just a great feeling."

Craike said she could now relax and enjoy the freestyle competition tomorrow because she knew what the horse was capable of, and she was competing in an event in which she felt confident.

Matthew Slade, the Christchurch runner who had previously won one silver and one bronze medal, ran fourth in the final of the T37 400m, won by Algeria's Mohamed Allek.

The New Zealand boccia team were beaten by Korea in the round to decide the gold and silver medals, and lost to Portugal in the bronze decider.

Cyclists Mark Inglis and Paul finished 11th and 12th in a field of 17 in the gruelling 55km road race.

In the pool, Christchurch swimmer Hadleigh Pierson failed to make the final of the S6 men's 100m freestyle.

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