BISLETT (VG) Salum Ageze Kashafali (29) set a new world record in the para class at Bislett, and thanked the team around him.
QUICK: Salum Ageze Kashafali won the 100 meters in Bislett in both the open and para classes.
– It means that I am the best athlete in the world. It’s a dream to set a world record. Everyone dreams of it, Kashafali told VG.
He ran two races over an hour apart during the Bislett Games: both in the open class and in the para class. The blind sprinter switched classes from T12 to T13 earlier this year – the latter being a slightly better sighted class.
The world record time at T13 is Jason Smyth’s time of 10.46. Kas memorizeli beat the time twice: First to 10.37, before posting a time of 10.41 in the next race. The previous release of Paralympic gold in 2021 was 10.43.
After some time, VG received confirmation from the athletic association that 10.37 is the new official world record in the T12 class. Jaysuma Saidy Ndure has the Norwegian record for the 100 meters at a ratio of 9.99.
– I know that it went fast in the second race too, but then I just had to put on a little show. The first race was very serious, said Kashafali, who had a dream to participate in it the biggest championship is also for the able-bodied.
After that, he received the Bislett Medal to a standing ovation and was in the company of the famous Usain Bolt and Karsten Warholm, among others.
– There’s no better place in the world to set a world record. It’s so much fun doing it here, says Kashafali.
The road to the top has not always been easy for the 29 year old. This winter he is looking for a new personal assistant. He has mastered it and everyday life has become much easier.
– It was indescribable, said Kashafali.
AWARD: Salum Ageze Kashafali was awarded the Bislett Medal by the mayor of Oslo Marianne Borgen.
– I have some great assistants around me who make my daily life better. New coach (Stephan Johansson), new assistant and Olympiatop… There are so many people who make my daily life easier. Now I eat and sleep better, said Kashafali.
It wasn’t until New Years that Kashafali learned that she was entitled to a personal assistant because of her disability. Before there was one tired of having to go to the store alone.
– People should know that before this year I was very tired every time I went to training and competitions. Every time I walk out the door is a struggle – I have headaches, pain in my back and neck. Now my sports career really started, and I am 29 years old, says Kashafali.
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