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Pembroke wins gold with Paralympic record throw

Daniel Pembroke threw a huge Paralympic record to win Great Britain’s first-ever gold medal in the men’s F13 javelin.

The 29-year-old, coached by the University’s Head Throws Coach, Dave Turner, recorded a best distance of 69.52m to book his place in the winners’ enclosure.

Pembroke's mammoth throw was more than enough to see him finish well clear of Iran’s Ali Pirouj (64.30m) and Spain’s Hector Cabrera Llacer (61.13m) who claimed silver and bronze respectively.

"This is the best day of my life. So many people helped me to get to this point,” said an elated Pembroke.

"My dad, my beautiful family, my wife Martina. I couldn't have done it without you all.

"I knew deep down I could win, I have wanted it for so long. I was quite anxious going into it but the third throw I gave it my all.

"I hope I've got the energy to lift that massive gold medal over my head!”

Pembroke’s brilliant gold took Loughborough-linked athletes medal total to 16 after another outstanding day of performances at Tokyo 2020.

Earlier in the day, there was more success as cyclist Crystal Lane-Wright won silver and Dan Greaves made history with a bronze medal in the discus.

Loughborough University has launched a new initiative for those looking to support the future of Para sport on campus. By supporting the Para Sport programme, individuals can make a profound impact to a young person’s life. To find out more and how to donate, click HERE.

For more information on Loughborough and its presence at the Paralympic Games, visit the dedicated website HERE.

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 21/190

Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2021 QS World University Rankings and University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2019.

Loughborough is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 7th in the Guardian University League Table 2021, 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and 7th in The UK Complete University Guide 2022.

Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.

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