That certainly was a golden grin yesterday.
Aitchison flew to gold in the 100m T36 final at the world para athletics championships in New Delhi, taking New Zealand’s medal tally to three.
Aitchison went one better than last year in Japan, when she finished second in the race behind longtime rival Shi Yiting, of China.
Her time of 13.43sec came within a whisker of her personal best of 13.41sec, and within 0.1sec of the world record held by Shi of 13.35sec.
Aitchison came out of the blocks strongly and was quickly clear of the field as she powered down the straight for a dominant display of para sprinting.
Mali Lovell made it an Oceania 1-2 as she claimed the silver for Australia in 14.56sec. Veronica Hipolito, of Brazil, rounded out the medals in 14.77sec.
Aitchison, 24, crossed the line with a familiar wide smile and now turns her attention to the 200m T36 later in the competition.
She holds the 200m world record for her classification.
Her gold followed New Zealand shot put star Lisa Adams winning gold and Will Stedman claiming 400m bronze.
New Zealand still has several medal chances remaining, including Dunedin athletes Holly Robinson (shot put) and Anna Grimaldi (200m). — Allied Media
