April Holmes (Chula Vista, Calif./Somerdale, N.J.) claimed the sole silver of the day in the women’s 100m (T42-44-26) with a time of 13.03. It’s worth noting that Holmes, a T44, competed in a combined class, beating out one of two T46 athletes (arm amputees) in her heat. Nevertheless, she was still a bit disappointed with her finish.

“The facility is absolutely gorgeous here,” said Holmes. “It’s such an exhilarating atmosphere with all of the fans cheering and tons of people in the stands. I’m not extremely happy with my time, but I’m happy I made it through healthy and am looking forward to the 200m.”

U.S. teammate Katy Sullivan (Los Angeles, Calif.), the only T41 (double above-the-knee amputee) of the heat, finished in seventh place with a time of 17.68. For Sullivan, where she finished wasn’t nearly as important and HOW she finished.

“I came here wanting to run sub :18, and I did it,” said Sullivan, who was all smiles. “I couldn’t be happier, I’m just so excited.”

Both bronzes of day three were won out in the field. Carlos Leon (North Lauderdale, Fla.), who competed in the men’s combined class shot put (F32-34/52), went two-for-two, earning bronze, his second medal of competition, by throwing 7.13m for 781 points.

“I was told to expect anything coming here, and I went out there and I did what I know how to do,” said Leon. “I let the chips fall where they did, and I came out on the podium twice – and it makes me really happy.”

Finished with competition, Leon says he now plans to spend his time cheering on fellow teammates.

The second bronze and final medal of the day came from Robyn Stawski (Tampa, Fla.), who also threw a personal best in the women’s combined class discus (F32-34/52/53/54) with a distance of 12.61m and 835 points.

“In practice today, I just gave it my all,” said Stawski. “When it came time to compete, I just pictured myself throwing in the backyard at the YMCA where I train and just gave it my all. I was completely surprised by my throw.”

In other finals competition, Abe Sauer (Johnstown, Colo.) got out to a great start in the men’s 800m (T46), setting the pace for the first lap. Lap two was a battle to the finish, with Sauer getting edged out of the bronze, finishing in 1:59.79.

“I felt good, but I got tied at 50-60 meters to go, and Brazil ran a good race and ran me down,” said Sauer. “I am pleased with my time – it’s my fastest so far this year.”

Jill Kennedy (Palmyra, Va.) finished second in the women’s shot put (F40-46) trial event with a throw of 6.47 for 869 points.

Also in throws action, Rachelle Renaud (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) finished in fifth place in the women’s combined class shot put (F36-38) with a throw of 7.13m and 695 points.

With the addition of today’s three medals, the U.S. track & field medal count stands at 16.

In semifinal action, the following athletes advance to finals in their events on Thursday:

Troy Davis (Queen Creek, Ariz.) – 200m (men’s T53)
Austin Snyder (Tucson, Ariz.) – 200m (men’s T53)
Josiah Jamison (Chula Vista, Calif./Vance, S.C.) – 400m (men’s T12)
Tommy Chasanoff (Bradenton, Fla.) – 100m (men’s T37/38)

NOTE: Some field events include athletes from several classes, referred to as combined classes, in order to ensure a large enough field of competition. Winners are determined based on the athletes’ results in comparison to historical standards for each class at international competitions.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, U.S. Paralympics, at 011 5521 8890-3141 (international cellphone) or beth.bourgeois@usoc.org.

About U.S. Paralympics:
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports movement and to promoting excellence in the lives of persons with physical disabilities. Visit the U.S. Paralympics Web site at www.usparalympics.org.