Kristina Richard has captured a gold medal at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
With a blistering fast first leg, the Antigonish native raced out to a strong lead and her 4X400m relay teammates never looked back and secured first place.
It is the second medal of the Games for Richard, a long-time member of the Eastern Highlands Special Olympics team, who garnered bronze in the 200m.
In her other race, Richard finished fifth in the highly-competitive 100m.
Kristina Richard preparing to compete in 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games
It is the first time Richard has represented Team Canada on the Special Olympics’ international stage. A veteran of countless regional and provincial competitions, the Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School graduate has donned Team Nova Scotia colours for two national Games – in Antigonish (2018) and Vancouver (2014).
Richard has been participating in Special Olympics since she was 13.
The 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games will wrap-up March 21.