Para track and field athlete Jaydin Blackwell strives to bring home the gold

(NEXSTAR) – Para track and field world champion Jaydin Blackwell says one of his goals is to break the world record in the 100-meter in Paris this summer.

The 20-year-old from Oak Park, Michigan is hoping to compete in the 100-meter and 400-meter and bring home gold for both events. It will be his first time competing in the Paralympics.

Blackwell was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 6 years old. The condition affects the muscles in his legs.

“It’s been an interesting ride,” Blackwell said. “Cause para track athletes we don’t get as much recognition as we should because we strive to be the best, we try just as hard, we train just as hard as everybody else does.”

Blackwell won two gold medals at the 2023 Para World Championships. He holds the world record in the men’s T38 400-meter with a time of 48.49.

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