Saysunee Jana of Thailand has made history at the 2024 Paralympics in France by becoming the first female wheelchair fencer to secure three gold medals.
At the age of 50, wheelchair fencer Jana clinched her third gold medal of the Games by defeating Kang Su of China on Friday.
Despite an early setback, she made a strong comeback to become the first female wheelchair fencer to claim gold in all three disciplines—sabre, foil, and epee—at the Paralympics.
Her triumph in France marked her fifth gold medal since her first Paralympics in Athens in 2004. Jana has participated in six Paralympic Games over the past two decades.
“I’m very happy and proud of myself. I didn’t think I could do it,” Saysunee stated. “I can’t describe my happiness today in words. Before the tournament, I expected to win only one gold in epee.”
She extended thanks to the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, the Sports Association for the Disabled of Thailand, and the Paralympic Committee of Thailand, as well as her family, for their unwavering support.
Her recent victories establish her as the second Paralympic wheelchair fencer in history to win three individual gold medals, a feat previously achieved by Roberto Marson back in 1968.
As of Friday, Thailand was ranked 16th at the Paralympics in France, with a total of six golds, 10 silvers, and 11 bronzes.
