Historic Achievement: First Female Wheelchair Fencer Secures Gold Medals in Every Discipline
PUBLISHED: September 7, 2024, at 20:44
In a remarkable moment for Paralympic history, Saysunee Jana of Thailand has achieved an unprecedented milestone at the 2024 Paralympic Games in France, becoming the first female wheelchair fencer to claim gold medals in all three disciplines: sabre, foil, and epee.
The 50-year-old athlete captured her third gold medal by overcoming a challenging start to defeat Kang Su of China. This victory solidifies her place in history as a trailblazer in Paralympic wheelchair fencing.
Having participated in six Paralympic tournaments since the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, Saysunee’s latest gold adds to her impressive tally of five medals overall.
“I’m very happy and proud of myself. I didn’t think I could do it,” Saysunee expressed. “I can’t describe my happiness today in words. Before the tournament, I expected to win only one gold in epee.”
She also expressed gratitude toward the support systems in her life, including various sports organizations and her family, who played a vital role in her journey.
Saysunee’s achievement places her alongside only one other Paralympic wheelchair fencer, Roberto Marson, who won three individual golds in 1968.
As of now, Thailand stands at 16th place in the overall medal tally in France, boasting six gold medals, ten silver, and eleven bronze.
