The German team can celebrate their first gold medals at the Special Olympics in Berlin.
The open water swimmers Kai-Jürgen Pönisch and Patrizia Spaulding won the races in their respective classes on Monday and achieved the hoped-for success.
The Berliner Pönisch won on the regatta course in Grünau after 1500 m in 28:34.8 minutes, Spaulding (Mosbach) prevailed after 34:34.7 minutes.
Previously, the Hessian athlete Annika Meissner had provided the first German medal. The 36-year-old finished second over 5000 m in the Hanns-Braun-Stadion in the Olympic Park with 27:28.97 minutes and secured silver with her personal best. Monica Prieto from Paraguay won gold (21:40.13 minutes).
Hong Kong’s Cheuk In Wai won the world’s first gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics. “I’m very happy about this first medal, which I can take home with me,” said the 15-year-old.
The German team has more than 400 athletes at the World Games for people with mental and multiple disabilities, it is the largest delegation in the capital.
The Special Olympics will run until June 25th.