Paralympics

Canadian shot putter Greg Stewart repeats as Paralympic champion in Paris

Canada’s Greg Stewart successfully defended his Paralympic title in the men’s shot put F46 final on Wednesday at the Paris Games.

7-foot-2 thrower from Kamloops, B.C., came out of retirement with goal to defend title

A male Paralympic shot putter shouts in celebration while holding up a Canadian flag behind his back.
Canada's Greg Stewart celebrates after winning gold in the men's shot put F46 final at the Paris Paralympics on Wednesday inside Stade de France in Saint-Denis, North of Paris. (Angela Burger/Canadian Paralympic Committee via The Canadian Press)

Canada's Greg Stewart successfully defended his Paralympic title in the men's shot put F46 final on Wednesday at the Paris Games.

The seven-foot-two thrower from Kamloops, B.C., won the gold medal with a season-best toss of 16.38 metres on his fifth of six attempts at Stade de France.

Stewart beat India's Sachin Sarjerao Khilari for gold by 0.06 metres, but he had already bested the two-time reigning world champion with his third throw of 16.34m.

"Maybe in a day or two I will be able to tell you how I feel," Stewart said. "I am not really sure yet. It was a pretty fun competition. Our sport is growing a lot. We have three guys throwing over 16 [metres] in this final."

Croatia's Luka Bakovic claimed bronze (16.27m).

WATCH l Stewart captures Paralympic gold in Paris:

Canadian shot putter Greg Stewart successfully defends his Paralympic title

3 months ago
Duration 2:43
The seven-foot-two thrower from Kamloops, B.C., came out of retirement to defend his Paralympic title in Paris, and won gold with a season-best toss of 16.38 metres on his fifth attempt.

The 38-year-old Stewart returned to major competition in May after retiring in 2022. He won gold three years ago in Tokyo with a Paralympic record-setting throw of 16.75m.

Stewart, who was born without his lower left arm, won silver while making his comeback at this year's World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan.

Stewart says there is still more to come.

"I am going to go on to L.A. [the 2028 Games]," he said. "This one is just half way.

"I wanted to come back and continue supporting the Paralympic movement, and support athletes any way we can."

WATCH l Stewart says it was emotional to win Paralympic gold again:

Canadian shot putter Greg Stewart is a Paralympic champion — again

3 months ago
Duration 9:42
Greg Stewart, who captured Paralympic gold in F46 men's shot put, says it was emotional to win gold again — this time in front of a roaring crowd at the Stade de France.

Stewart, who is due to get married in a few weeks, kissed his partner Taylor Shantz in the stands after his latest Paralympic triumph.

"I get married in 20 days, so I will probably celebrate by marrying my best friend. And then maybe take some time off. I don't recommend planning a wedding and preparing for the Paralympics at the same time," Stewart said.

A man and woman kiss inside a track stadium.
Greg Stewart celebrates his gold-medal win in Paris with soon-to-be bride Taylor Shantz. (Angela Burger /Canadian Paralympic Committee via The Canadian Press)

Stewart used to be coached by Canadian shot put great Dylan Armstrong, who won Olympic bronze in 2008 and helped Ethan Katzberg win Canada's first-ever hammer throw gold medal at the Olympics last month.

LISTEN l Stewart among Canadian Paralympians hoping to inspire in Paris: 

The 2024 Paralympic Games are officially underway. Canada has 126 athletes competing in 18 different sports, and some are already winning medals. Canadian Paralympians hope their performances in Paris will help inspire others.