Focus back on Grand Prix in Nottwil after the wonder of Kobe

It’s a new era in World Para Athletics and it’s getting started in the best possible way: a return to the spiritual home of the sporting circuit.

This weekend Nottwil is once again the epicentre of Para Athletics, as the Grand Prix rolls into town. All set? We thought so. 

Welcome to the next chapter

Well, that was pretty incredible, wasn’t it? We’re two weeks out from the conclusion of the Kobe 2024 World Para Athletics Championships, and the world of our sport looks a whole lot different to how we went into it. 

With brand new names emerging to the top of the stage, established stars confirming their legacies even further and a world of contenders for the medals, Kobe was everything we knew it would be and so much more.

And now, it’s into Paralympic Games territory. We are barely two months out from the Games beginning in Paris, and it promises to be perhaps the biggest and best we have ever seen. Having hosted an incredible Worlds last year, we know it is a city that brings unmissable Paralympic action. It’s destined to be huge.

But first, there is Nottwil. Then a Paris Grand Prix. We are truly in a magical time. So, let’s move into the new era. 

What’s in store for Nottwil?

No rest for the elite. 54 NPCs will be represented in Switzerland, comprising of a combined 340 athletes. And there are some pretty huge names in amongst the entry list.

In a Europe-heavy cast list, it’s impossible to list everyone so here are a few who will have points to prove. Norway’s Salum Kashafali was dealt a big blow in Kobe when he came up in the bronze spot for the 100m T13. The reigning Paralympic gold medallist for the T12 category aims to return to the gold.

Elsewhere, some of the true Kobe standouts are wasting no time before getting back to the international stage. Dominican Republic won their first ever World gold courtesy of Darlenys de la Cruz Severino. Coming in the Women’s T12, Sevarino recorded a season best of 12.43 in the process. She is one returnee, as is Mauritius’ own hero Noemi Alphonse. 

Alphonse secured a similar feat in Kobe, the first gold medallist from the nation. Her success came in the Women’s 100m T54. Same again this time? 

And when in Switzerland, it really wouldn’t be right to not have some home legends. Catherine Debrunner has done it all (multiple times) and will take to the track in Nottwil, as will the simply iconic Marcel Hug. And if those two weren’t enough, there is also the wonderful Manuela Schaer who is confirmed to be competing. We’re in for Swiss excellence.

How can you follow?

Want to follow the Nottwil GP? Make sure you stay tuned to the World Para Athletics social media pages for imagery from across the competition. 

What's next?

We have got just one more Grand Prix to go! And it’s in a place that is soon to have the eyes of the world upon it.

The season closer will take place on 13-14 June in Paris in one of the final preparations for the Paralympic Games. 

Barely two months later, the pinnacle of Para Sport moves to the French capital in late August. See you there?