Patrick Goldsmith, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Point Turton’s Hugo Taheny has brought home an impressive medal haul after representing Australia at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France.
The first time he has competed overseas, Taheny claimed a gold medal in shot-put and broke his own world record twice, finishing with 11.98 metres.
He also broke his own world record in discus with 32.95m to claim another gold.
The Virtus Global Games is the world’s largest elite sports event for athletes with an intellectual impairment.
Taheny took home four gold medals from the Virtus Oceania Asia Games in Brisbane in November, claiming victory in the javelin, shot-put, discus and 4x100m relay.
Taheny and his mum Louise spent three weeks in Europe, first at the games before taking in the sights of France and England.
Louise said first and foremost, she and husband John were in awe of their son’s determination in competition.
“I think it was with his third throw (of the shot-put), he broke his world record, so there was great excitement,” she said.
“He knew it was a good throw but, because he can’t read or write and understand the measurement side of it, he just knew it was good.
“His previous record was about 11.45m and with this throw he got 11.62m and then with his second to last throw, he threw the 11.98m.
“On a high, he then had to race to the next event without any time off in between, also changing outfits to throw discus in his suit, similar to that worn by his hero Matt Denny.
“His previous best in discus was 32.93m and, after getting the crowd clapping and then throwing one into the net, he ended up beating his record by 2cm.”
Taheny collapsed with heatstroke at the end, but fronted up the following day for the 4×100 relay, competing with two runners and a swimmer, finishing fourth.
Having given his all to that point so far, javelin was his final event, finishing fifth, with a throw of 19.74m.
Taheny was one of 130 athletes representing Australia, with Louise quick to point out how well he flourishes making new friends in that environment.
“Staying with the team and watching how Hugo has blossomed and the way he conducts himself was fantastic,” she said.
“I had team doctors, team managers and other parents all come up to me and say ‘I’ve fallen a bit in love with him’.
“He absolutely embraces those opportunities to make friendships with kids from all over the country and they’re all so proud of each other.”
The travellers were greeted by supporters upon return to Adelaide Airport, and banners at home in Point Turton.
“We are so grateful for the love and support shown by our friends, family and community,” Louise said.
“People rallied and put together an amazing raffle to raise the money to send Hugo to France so that was incredible also.
“Everyone is just always behind him and the comments online prove that; I could spend two days responding to all of those, they’re just terrific.”
Louise said the remainder of the trip was brilliant, including a stop at Australia House in London, meeting with Agent General for South Australia David Ridgway and Deputy High Commissioner Elisabeth Bowes.
“We made the decision to stay on an extra couple of weeks because it’s not like we’re going to pop back there again soon”¦ but we made the most of it and it was incredible,” she said.
“We arrived in Paris after the games and the travel agent had booked a Paris by Night tour and”¦ it was just breathtaking and Hugo leaned over and said ‘Mum, thank you for bringing me here’, and it was incredible.”
Taheny was also a finalist for the Virtus Male Athlete of the Year award, of a Local Para Champions Australian Sports Commission grant recipient, and Athletics SA Para Athlete of the Year.
This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 27 June 2023.
