On July 7, 2021 we got a sneak peak of what the future had in store. That Wednesday evening in Ottawa at a Twilight Meet, Bianca Borgella broke the Canadian T13 record in the women’s 100 metres. It was her first time racing the distance in a Lions uniform and was the first in a string of Canadian records for the University of Ottawa student.
Today, Borgella added another title to her growing track resume – World Championship medalist. The 20-year-old sprinter placed third in the T13 100 metres with a time of 12.16 seconds at the World Para Athletics Championship taking place in Paris, France this week.
“I’m really happy with the result,” said Borgella of today’s run. “Not the time that I was expecting, but as it being my first world, I’m just happy that I’m able to experience it and take home a bronze in the end.”
Bianca had entered the Championship as a medal favourite with her Canadian record time of 12.12 seconds from earlier this season topping the world rankings prior to the Championship.
She would be knocked out of that spot in the rankings in Sunday’s semi-final when Azerbaijan’s Lamiya Valiyeva took top spot in 11.89 seconds with Borgella close behind in a new Canadian record of 12.03 seconds.
For Borgella, today’s result appears to be just another stepping stone on her journey in athletics.
“All I can do is my best for that day and hopefully the next day just be stronger and keep training and work harder. And one day bring back a gold in the 100.”
Borgella will return to action at the Championships early on Tuesday as she is scheduled to compete in the T13 200 metre semi-finals at 4:14am Eastern time.
For results, visit the International Paralympic Committee page.
The championships can be live streamed on the IPC YouTube page.