Mitchell, a wheelchair sprinter and field athlete in the T51 class, posted the world mark in the women’s 200 metres race, crossing the finish line in 44.17sec.

Although T52 racer Kerry Morgan took gold in the event, Mitchell’s performance exceeded her own expectations as she smashed the previous world record set in 1998 nearly 12 seconds.

“It definitely came as a surprise,” said Mitchell.

“During the race, I felt like it was going really well but honestly at the end, in terms of time, I didn’t know it was going to be that close or under the world record.

“I was really excited by that.

“This was my first track world record.”

After recently being sidelined due to medical issues, Mitchell is regaining the confidence that saw  her claim three medals at the 2013 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships.

“I’ve had a lot of health issues this spring so that’s been an obstacle for me,” she added.

“I think it’s just really thrilling knowing how much I’ve had to overcome with my health to see that all come to a head with a really amazing result.

“I think that made it more special for me than maybe it even would’ve been otherwise.”

In the women’s F34/53-57 javelin, two-time Paralympian Angela Madsen added an American record in the F56 class to her long list of accolades with a throw of 16.37 metres.

Madsen returned in solid form following a three-year absence from the nationals, having last competed in 2012 at the event in Indianapolis. 

Shaquille Vance showed why he claimed the London 2012 silver medal in the men’s T42 200m race, running away in the homestretch to win in 25.97.

He is hoping to build on his momentum from the nationals to represent Team USA at the upcoming Parapan American Games and IPC Athletics World Championships in Toronto and Doha in August and October respectively.

“Hopefully I can take this first place and transfer it over to world championships and Parapan Ams,” said Vance.

“I’m definitely looking for gold at both events and I want to break the world record so I’m preparing.

“It’s going to be a fun year for me.”

In the men’s T43/44 200m race, Richard Browne secured the national title with Blake Leeper following in second and Jarryd Wallace third.

Browne, the current world record holder in the T44 100m and 200m, cruised on the fast Hamline track to cross the line in 21.88 in the final.

Other newly crowned champions included April Holmes in the women’s T44/45 200m, as well as Tatyana McFadden in the women’s T53/54 5,000m and 800m, and Aaron Pike in the men’s 5,000m.

Michael Wishnia triumphed in the men’s F34/54-57 shot put, while Tobi Fawehinmi took the men’s F20/45-47 triple jump title and Amy Watt claimed the women’s F20/37-38/42 long jump crown. 

Competition is due to run through until Sunday (June 21).

Full results can be found by clicking here. 


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