8 Strong Team Named For New Delhi World Para Championships
A unique story of mentorship headlines the announcement of an 8 strong New Zealand team selected today for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. Taking place in New Delhi, India from 27 September to 5 October. The team consists of multiple world championship medallists, paralympic medallists and is bolstered by three debutants.
This year marks the first time India will host the World Championships, with more than 1,000 athletes expected to compete across 186 medal events at New Delhi's iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Championships also serve as a key stepping stone toward the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Among the eight athletes selected is debutant Paddy Walsh, who will compete in the women's long jump T64. Guiding her journey is coach and seasoned para-sprinter Mitch Joynt, who has also been selected to represent New Zealand in the men's 200m T64.
For Walsh, this marks her first senior black singlet team 'I feel really honoured to be selected to go to India this year,' she said. 'I feel like I've worked hard for it, and it feels kind of crazy knowing that I've been trying all these years — and I didn't really think I'd be able to get to this level as soon as I have. So I feel quite excited and a little bit nervous.'
Receiving her black singlet from Joynt as he informed her of her selection on Tuesday at the pairs regular training session added an extra layer of meaning for Walsh. 'It definitely gives me a bit of comfort, especially because I feel otherwise I'd be kind of going into it [world championships] a little uncertain,' she said. 'He's got a lot of wisdom and can really help guide me and help get the best experience that I can.'
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For Mitch Joynt, selection for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships is a special moment 'I'm obviously stoked to be selected again,' he said. 'It's always a pleasure to get to represent New Zealand.' But this year, the honour carries even deeper meaning with Walsh's first senior black singlet selection. 'I've known Paddy probably a decade. I trained with her, and now I coach her, and I consider her a friend,' Joynt reflected. 'No one deserves this more than Paddy, and I'm really stoked for her, it's amazing.'
Joynt's memorable international debut secured a bronze medal in the men's 200m T64 at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris. He backed up this performance in Kobe, Japan in 2024 with another bronze over the 200m T64.
The team also features a blend of experienced Paralympians and promising newcomers:
Among the selected athletes is Anna Grimaldi, a three-time Paralympic champion, who captured the hearts of the nation after her emphatic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games in the 200m T47. Returning to the track just hours after her tough 4th place finish in the Long Jump T47, Will Stedman is set to participate in the men's 100m T36, 400m T36, and long jump T36. Stedman has consistently performed at the highest level, securing multiple medals at international competitions.
Holly Robinson will take on the women's shot put F46. With a decorated career including gold and silver medals in javelin, Robinson adds depth and experience to the team.
Danielle Aitchison set a blistering new 200m T36 record at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan to win the world championships title. Aitchison continued her stellar 2024 with dual silvers over the 100m T36 and 200m T36 at the Paris Paralympic Games. She's been selected in the women's 100m T36 and 200m T36
Michael Whittaker is set to make his international debut in Para athletics, continuing a remarkable and unconventional journey to the world stage. A former international fashion model, Whittaker's life took a dramatic turn in his mid-twenties when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder leading to progressive vision loss. Undeterred, he discovered a passion for running during the COVID-19 lockdowns, finding solace and purpose in the sport. Since then, he has rapidly ascended the ranks of Para athletics, setting a national half marathon T13 record of 1:13:54 at the 2024 Auckland Marathon. Whittaker set a 5000m best earlier this year at the 2025 Jennian Homes NZ Track and Field Championships at the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin of 15:32.66.
Sarah James joins as the teams' only wheel-chair racer, where she's set to compete in the 100m T53. She currently holds the NZ Senior and U20 100m T53 records with her breakthrough time of 18.40(1.6) at the Canberra Classic in Australia last March.
Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive Cam Mitchell said the selection is a reflection of the organisation's ongoing commitment to Para sport and athlete development.
'We're incredibly proud of this team. It's a group that brings together our most experienced international medallists with exciting emerging athletes making their debut on the world stage,' said Mitchell. 'This shows the strength of our Para athletics programme and the pathways we're building to support long-term success. We're confident this team will not only perform with distinction in New Delhi, but inspire future generations of Para athletes across Aotearoa.'
Selected athletes for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships:
Anna Grimaldi – Women's 100m T47 and 200m T47
Will Stedman – Men's 100m T36 & 400m T36, & long jump T36
Holly Robinson – Women's shot put F46
Danielle Aitchison – Women's 100m T36 & 200m T36
Mitch Joynt – Men's 200m T64
Paddy Walsh – Women's long jump T64 (Debut)
Michael Whittaker – 5000m T13 (Debut)
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