Jalil Bagheri Jeddi wins Iran’s first gold medal at 2012 Paralympics

TEHRAN,Sept.2(MNA)--Shot putter Jalil Bagheri Jeddi won Iran’s first gold medal at the London Paralympics. Bagheri Jeddi made a throw of 11.63 meters to win the gold in the men’s F54/55/56 class shot put event. Karol Kozun of Poland earned the silver with a throw of 11.36 meters, and Robin Womack of Britain won the bronze with a throw of 11.34 meters. “I worked hard to achieve this honor, and I’m very happy that I did it. I dedicate this medal to my nation and all of Iran’s Paralympics delegation,” Bagheri Jeddi said. “According to my previous records in training and my knowledge about the rivals, I expected to claim the gold,” he added. Jalil competed in the shot put and discus events in the 2004 Summer Paralympics, winning silver in the discus throw. In 2008, he competed in the shot put event, but could only manage a twelfth-place finish. Earlier in the competition, Iranian shooter Sareh Javanmardi won the bronze in the women’s 10-meter air pistol SH1 event, giving the country its first medal at the London Paralympics. The 2012 London Summer Paralympics opened in on August 29 and runs until September 9. The Paralympic Games is the world's second largest major international multi-sport event, involving athletes with a range of physical challenges. Iran has sent 79 athletes, competing in 13 events, to the London Paralympics.