Namibian Legend Johanna Benson Shines at World Para Athletics Championships

Johanna Benson, a Namibian para-athletics legend, shined at the World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC 2025) in New Delhi, recording Season Best performances. Reflecting on her career, Benson expressed excitement for the future, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games

Hyderabad: Johanna Benson, the iconic Namibian para-athlete, has once again proven that age is just a number. The 35-year-old legend made a remarkable return to the World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC) 2025 in New Delhi, the same city where her career took off 15 years ago.

Benson, who is regarded as a national hero in Namibia, delivered impressive Season Best (SB) performances in all the events she participated in: Women’s 100m T37 Round 1 (Heat 1), the 400m T37 final, and the 200m T37 Round 1 (Heat 2). She placed 8th in the 200m T37 final on October 5.

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Reflecting on her career, Johanna recalled the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, where she clinched a bronze in the women’s 100m (T37) with a time of 14.81 seconds. That performance marked her entry onto the international stage and set the foundation for her legendary career.

“Fifteen years ago, I ran my personal best, and now I am happy that I achieved my season best. It shows I can still perform at a high level,” said Benson. She added, “That competition in New Delhi was the start for me. I was young and nervous, but it gave me belief.”

Johanna’s return to India in 2025 was particularly special for her. “Coming back here after 15 years feels special. India has changed a lot. The facilities and accessibility are much better, and I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” she said, speaking on the sidelines of the competition. “I was so excited when I heard the World Para Athletics would be held in India. My aim was to set a new PB in the 100m that I had run 15 years ago.”

Benson’s meteoric rise in the para-athletics world started in 2012 when, at the London Paralympics, she made history by becoming Namibia’s first-ever Paralympic gold medallist. She won the T37 200m gold and a 100m silver, marking the country’s first medal in any Olympic or Paralympic Games.

Overcoming Adversity
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy within the first year of her life, Johanna has overcome immense challenges to become one of the most respected names in para-sports. Her latest return to New Delhi, where it all started, has been an emotional and fulfilling experience. “Although I don’t really remember when I first came here 15 years back, as I was very young then and it was my first international competition, what I can say now is that the people have been friendly and helpful during my stay in India for the WPAC 2025,” Johanna reflected.

She continued to praise the improvements in infrastructure for para-athletes. “We had a training camp before this competition. Everything has been very organized. The transportation, accessibility, and facilities for para-athletes have improved greatly. It feels good to see this change,” Benson said, beaming with joy.

Despite being in the twilight of her career, Johanna showed no signs of slowing down. Laughing off any retirement rumors, she concluded, “I’m just preparing myself for the Commonwealth Games that will be next year in Glasgow.”