Trenten Merrill, competing with an injury to his hamstring, finished the final of the Men’s Long Jump T64 by declaring 'Christ is King'.
Merrill came into this years' Paralympics having won the bronze medal for the USA three years ago in Tokyo, but having sustained a 2cm tear in his hamstring the day before he arrived in the Olympic Village. Deciding to compete anyway, he finished 9th, with a distance of 6.41m.
Following the race, he took off his number and held it up to a camera, revealing that he had written on the back: ‘Christ is King’. He shared the photo of himself on Instagram the following day, with the caption:
'May not have gotten the victory last night, but my spirit has been victorious through this battle... This year has been all about being uncomfortable and taking risks. I knew full well the risk was sustaining a greater injury and failing in front of everyone. I may have left the competition more injured than arriving, but I’ll never know what it tastes like to quit...
'I competed with everything I had, considering all those that supported and believed in me. I have amazing support that has my back and I know God’s not done with me.'
Trenten had his right leg amputated beneath the knee after a dirt bike accident aged 14.
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