Fleur Jong and Johannes Floors Set World Records at Leverkusen Event

In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Dutch Para athlete Fleur Jong and German sprinter Johannes Floors both established new world records during the Para Leichtathletik Heimspiel held in Leverkusen, Germany, this past weekend. The event coincided with the 50th edition of the prestigious Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, where several Paralympic medalists also showcased their talents.

Fleur Jong, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist, set a new world record in the women’s 100m T62, clocking an impressive time of 12.19 seconds, which is 0.12 seconds faster than her previous record established just a month earlier at the Paris World Para Athletics Grand Prix. Jong's outstanding performance also included a record-breaking long jump of 6.86 meters achieved at the Golden Roof Challenge in Innsbruck, Austria, in June 2025 (World Para Athletics, July 9, 2025).

Johannes Floors, representing Germany, thrilled the home crowd by breaking the world record in the men’s 200m T62 with a time of 20.29 seconds, shaving 0.04 seconds off his prior record set three years ago. Floors’ achievement adds to the growing legacy of Bayer Leverkusen, a club known not just for its football team but also for hosting a formidable Para athletics squad (World Para Athletics, July 9, 2025).

In Eugene, Tatyana McFadden, a 22-time Paralympic medalist, also delivered an impressive performance, winning the women’s 800m T54 event with a time of 1:46.89. McFadden's victory was part of a larger program at the Prefontaine Classic, which featured 30 events and included numerous Olympic and Paralympic medalists (World Para Athletics, July 9, 2025).

Orla Comerford of Ireland successfully defended her title in the women’s 100m multiclass race, finishing in 12.14 seconds, while Norway’s Salum Kashafali triumphed in the men’s 100m mixed class event with a time of 10.61 seconds. Comerford expressed her appreciation for the event, stating, "It's a real honour and I hope it's not my last time here" (World Para Athletics, July 9, 2025).

The results from both events highlight the increasing competitiveness and visibility of Para athletics on international platforms. With the World Para Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in New Delhi in September 2025, athletes are gearing up for another opportunity to showcase their extraordinary talents on a global stage (World Para Athletics, July 9, 2025).

This weekend’s events not only spotlighted the individual achievements of these athletes but also underscored the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in sports. As Para athletics continues to evolve, the performances witnessed in Leverkusen and Eugene serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of athletes with disabilities, inspiring future generations to pursue their athletic dreams.