Natalija Eder misses medal at World Cup in Delhi - a hard competition!

Natalija Eder misses medal at World Cup in Delhi - a hard competition!

The Para World Cup in Delhi was not an easy competition for the Austrian javelin thrower Natalija Eder. With her best throw of 34.62 meters, which she achieved in the last attempt, she clearly missed the medal ranks and landed in fourth place. They separated only 3.12 meters from the third-placed, Anna Kulinich-Sorokina, who competed for neutral Russian athletes. The top athlete Yuping Zhalo from China secured the title with impressive 45.22 meters. Despite the lack of podium, Eder remains an outstanding figure in the Paralympic sport. She is Vice World Champion, World Recorder and Dreier Bronze Editor at the Paralympics, most recently in Paris in 2024. At the age of 45 she was the oldest athlete in the javelin throwing competition and shows that talent and determination overcome age limits.

Born on August 6, 1980 in Tichowolja, Belarusian SSR, Natalija Eder began in 1997 with the Paralympic Sport in Belarus. In 2003 she moved to Austria and quickly made a name for herself in the Paralympic scene. She won numerous medals at World and European Championships and has secured a place in the history books of sport in many disciplines. At the Summer Paralympics 2012 in London, she won the first of several medals that she collected in the course of her career. Her commitment and passion for sport make you inspiration for many, and it is a bright example of what is possible with hard work and dedication.

A look at the Paralympic Games

The Paralympics are now an important event in the international sports calendar. In 2024, the games in Paris took place under the motto "Inclusion and Integration" and united over 60,000 fans. Andrew Parsons, head of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), highlighted the independence of the Paralympics and called for an increased interest in these championships. 549 medals were awarded in Paris, the number of participants, as well as the media presence, was higher than ever. These record games are not only proof of the development of parasport, but also for the increasing public interest.

However, it turns out that interest often decreases between the Paralympics. Only about 45 percent of people with disabilities in Germany regularly do sports, which makes the challenges clear, including sports offers. Sports sponsors and organizations are required to actively promote inclusion in order to reduce barriers and support people with disabilities.

Sustainable sport in Salzburg

In Salzburg, the paralympic commitment by athletes such as Natalija Eder is strongly supported. In the coming week, the Salzburg racing wheelchair athletes Thomas Geiersport (400 and 1500 meters) and Ludwig Malter (800, 1500 and 5000 meters) will also take part in the World Cup. These athletes not only stand for competitive sports, but are also role models for inclusion and participation in sports. The circle of athletes who are active in the disabled -friendly sport grows steadily and brings a breath of fresh air to the scene.

Eder continues to fight, and although she stayed in Delhi without a medal, she shows that the way to success is often stony. Her story inspires many who want to overcome obstacles in sport and life. So it remains to be hoped that the encouragement to the Paralympics and the athletes, such as Eder, continues to grow and that the public is sensitized to the opportunities in the sports of the disabled.