Akeem Stewart, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most decorated para-athletes, added yet another glittering chapter to his remarkable career by seizing the silver medal in the men’s discus F44 final at the 2025 World Para-Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India, on Friday.
Competing before a lively crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Stewart launched his best throw of 59.64 meters in the fifth round to secure second place behind Colombian Andres Mosquera Neira, who clinched gold with a 60.26m effort. Britain’s Dan Greaves completed the podium, taking bronze with 52.42m.
Early momentum and fierce duel
Stewart opened his campaign with intent, unleashing a 59.12m throw in the first round to position himself firmly in second place behind Neira’s 59.87m. Despite fouling on his second attempt, the Tobago-born athlete maintained his composure and standing as the Colombian extended his lead with a championship-winning mark of 60.26m.
In his third trip to the circle, the Kaizen Panthers club member improved slightly to 59.19m, but Neira remained out of reach, stretching his own consistency with a 59.50m effort. Stewart recorded 55.97m in the fourth round, while Neira reinforced his dominance with another 60m-class throw of 60.24m.
Determined to respond, the 2016 Rio Paralympic Javelin F44 champion summoned his trademark power in the fifth round, hurling 59.64m—his best of the evening—to keep his silver-medal position intact. His final throw of 55.96m closed a steady, hard-fought series.
Building on a legacy of consistency
Though Stewart narrowly missed out on the top prize, the result marked a triumphant continuation of his exceptional record at global meets. The Carnbee native had been eyeing discus gold to complement his World Para titles in Javelin and Shot Put (F44), both secured in London 2017. Still, the silver medal surpasses his earlier bronze finish in Doha (2015) in the same event.
This latest achievement brings Stewart’s World Para-Athletics Championships medal tally to five, reinforcing his place among the sport’s elite. His storied résumé also includes:
Paralympic silver medals in the Discus F44 (Rio 2016) and Discus F64 (Paris 2024).
Para Pan American Games titles in the Discus F44 (2015, 2019) and Discus F64 (2013), along with a silver in the Javelin F64 (2019).
Records and remarkable resilience
Beyond his medal count, Stewart’s impact on the field events is underscored by his record-breaking feats. He is the world record holder in the men’s discus F43 with an astounding 63.70m, achieved in 2019, and also owns Trinidad and Tobago’s national shot put record of 20.99m, set in 2022.
After missing the 2023 edition of the championships, Stewart’s return to the global stage in 2025 served as a reminder of his unrelenting drive and enduring excellence. With silver now added to his vast collection, the Tobagonian titan continues to embody determination, discipline, and national pride—raising the red, white, and black flag high once again.
