World Champions: Refugee Athletes Junior Atangana and Donard Ndim Make History in T11 Category
Outlookers members Junior Atangana and his guide runner, Donard Ndim, have made history by becoming gold medallists in the T11 category 400m at the World Para Athletics Championships in India. As the first refugee team to achieve this feat, they have inspired people around the globe, especially those living with disabilities and refugees worldwide.
Originally from Cameroon, the duo is now based in Bradford, where they have continued to hone their skills and forge a remarkable partnership. Securing a bronze medal in the T11 400m at the Paris Paralympics last summer, they’ve proven that perseverance and dedication can overcome any obstacle.
The T11 category in para-athletics refers to track events designed for athletes with severe visual impairments. Participants compete with a guide runner, such as Donard Ndim, who assists them throughout the race. The classification system, overseen by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), ensures fair competition among athletes with various disabilities.
Junior Atangana and Donard Ndim have been actively involved with Outlookers since early 2022, serving as beacons of inspiration for our community and beyond. Their triumph is a testament to the incredible accomplishments individuals with disabilities can achieve and a shining example of the resilience and determination displayed by refugees worldwide.
We eagerly await their return to Yorkshire with their well-deserved medals, as we prepare to celebrate their historic success and the impact they’ve made on the world stage. #WorldChampions #RefugeeAthletes #T11Category