CATHERINE WAYLAND gave the Irish team the near-perfect start to the Paralympics World Athletics Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand, by winning the silver medal in F51 club throw final.

The Wexford athlete threw a best of 13.56 metres in the second round to secure the podium finish, and will look to do likewise when she competes in the discuss competition later in the week.

“It’s been 13 years since my last major championship medal,” said Wayland. “I also have the discus competition to come and am refocusing now on delivering another top performance. I would like to dedicate this medal to my son Calum and coach Pat Furlong.”

Ray O’Dwyer was competing in his first major championships and finished 12th in the F34 shot putt final with a distance of 7.65 metres. It was the second best throw of O’Dwyer’s career.