The Otago runner finished fourth in the women’s 100m T47 final in New Delhi.
Grimaldi clocked 12.29sec, a measly 0.001sec behind bronze medallist Marie Ngoussou, of France.
"The closest race I’ve ever been in and probably will ever be in," Grimaldi said after the race.
"Gutted to come out fourth but also really happy with that race. Lots to be proud of."
Grimaldi, who won 100m bronze at the Paris Paralympics a year ago, was desperately unlucky not to finish on the podium.
She came home charging, improving from sixth to fourth over the final 30m, but just ran out of track.
Grimaldi still had the satisfaction of running down Brittni Mason (United States), the current world record holder, who finished fifth in 12.38sec.
The race was won by Kiara Rodriguez (Ecuador) in a flying 11.97sec, followed by Maria Clara Augusto da Silva (Brazil) in 12.20s.
Grimaldi will still have her specialist 200m as an opportunity to add another medal to her collection.
Will Stedman added to New Zealand’s medal tally yesterday with a brilliant bronze in the men’s 400m T36 final, clocking 53.05sec in a high-quality race.
The gold went to Australian James Turner, who stormed home in a world-class 52.18sec, reaffirming his status as the world record holder. Kirill Glazyrin, competing as a neutral athlete, claimed silver in 52.25sec.
Stedman’s closing strength was on display, running back into the medals from fourth place over the closing 120m.
His was New Zealand’s second medal of the championships, following Lisa Adams’ gold in the shot put.
Sarah James, making her world championships debut, placed fourth in the women’s 800m T53 final, clocking 2min 20.65sec in a strong field.
Danielle Aitchison was in sensational form in the women’s 100m T36, winning her heat in 13.98sec, the fastest time by a wide margin in the heats and a clear signal she is ready to challenge for gold in the final.
Aitchison floated home down the 100m straight, looking relaxed as she eased off the pace over the second half of the 100m round.
Mitch Joynt competed in the men’s 100m T64, finishing fifth in his heat in 11.92sec, just outside the qualifying spots for the final. His time was just 0.1sec off his personal best set earlier this year. — Allied Media
