Sensational: Hungarian Luca Ekler clinches gold at Paris Paralympics!

Luca Ekler won the gold medal in the T38 long jump event at the Paris Paralympics, the Hungarian News Agency (MTI) reported.

The 25-year-old athlete from TFSE, who is both a world champion and world record holder in her category, led throughout the rainy competition at the Stade de France, Telex reports.

Ekler’s winning jump of 5.56 meters showcased her dominance, with German athlete Nele Moos securing silver with a jump of 5.13 meters. Ekler had previously won gold in the same event at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.

Luca Ekler in a league of her own

Luca Ekler wins gold medal in T38 long jump event at Paris Paralympics. Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd

Ekler’s first jump of 5.52 meters put her in a commanding lead right from the start, as

she was the only competitor to clear five meters in the initial round.

She improved her distance by four centimetres in her subsequent jump. With no one else surpassing the five-meter mark in the second round, it became clear that Ekler was competing only against herself, her season’s best of 5.63 meters, and her world record of 5.82 meters set two years ago in Paris.

Although the rain stopped, the final was delayed due to a malfunction with the bar sensor. During the unexpected break, Ekler made several attempts but only managed to pass the bar on her last attempt. Despite this, with no competitors coming close to her distance, she confidently defended her title and celebrated with the small group of Hungarian supporters present.

Luca Ekler suffered a stroke in 2009, which left her left side paralysed. Through extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation, only minor symptoms remain in her left hand.

With this victory, Ekler secured the 4th medal for the Hungarian team in Paris, adding to the tally of one gold, one silver, and one bronze.

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