James Turner and Layla Sharp (below) in action in New Delhi. Photos courtesy of Athletics Australia

PENRITH-born James Turner has won gold in the Men’s 400m T36 at the World Para Athletics Championships, which were held in New Delhi (India) from 27th September – 5th October.

The victory was James’ 12th global title, whilst World Championship debutante Layla Sharp (Cranebrook) recorded a personal best in the heats of the Women’s T38 200m, before going one step better and qualifying for the Final in the Women’s T38 400m.

James had it far from all his own way in the 400m, racing powerfully to record a winning time of 52.18 seconds and fending off new challenger Kirill Glazyrin (Neutral Paralympic Athletes) by just 0.07 seconds.

Pushed all the way to the line after building an early lead, James declared his personal redemption mission was now complete.

“It hurts, but it feels good. I might have gone out a little bit too hard but other than that, I executed pretty well,” Turner said.

“I’ve taken back the (400m) crown. It means redeeming myself from last year and proving to my coach [Iryna Dvoskina], all the support staff back in Canberra, my friends and family, how serious I take this and how far I’m willing to go for it.”

Layla finished in 8th spot in the Women’s T38 400m Final, running her fastest time of the season and only just outside her personal best – an excellent international debut performance.

The 200m was a personal best for Layla and she is now ranked 11th in the world for the 200m and 8th for the 400m.

At just 17 years of age, Layla was one of five Indigenous teenagers representing Australia at the World Para Athletics Championships.