Danielle Kanas, a standout thrower representing the University of Alabama’s inaugural Para Track and Field team, clinched the prestigious 2024 National Championship in the Javelin F46 category for USA Para Track and Field. She did it while beating her previous personal best throw of 27.59 meters.
“The championship was an important step towards making it on the world team,” Kanas said, in a news release. “Even though I wasn’t able to make the list, it was a great experience, and I had the opportunity to show coaches what I can do. It also showed how the work I was doing at Alabama is paying off.”
The champion thrower only has her right arm. As a baby, she was found in a Chinese train station, and upon moving her to an orphanage, an infection was discovered in her left arm, leading it to have to be amputated below the elbow.
It clearly hasn’t hindered her athletic prowess — she’s been throwing javelin for over 10 years, and represented Team USA at the World Abilitysport Games.
Published April 17, 2024
