Malkamki was celebrating more than just the national title though. Her throw of 13.21 meters comfortably met A standards and earned her a spot at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan.

Making this year’s team was no easy feat.

Team USA brought a roster of 45 athletes to last year’s world championships in Paris, with some Paralympic and worlds medalists not making the cut.

With a contested competition schedule this summer, the U.S. is bringing just 30 athletes to the world championships this May in Kobe.

That group, which was named following the national championships, is stacked with some of the biggest names in the sport — Malkamaki is one of nine U.S. athletes who will be defending world titles they won in Paris last summer.

There was still some room on the roster for new faces as well. Arelle Middleton (women’s shot put F44), Korban Best (men’s 100-meter T47) and Catarina Guimaraes (women’s long jump T38) all won national titles in one event and will each make their world championships debut in Japan.

Guimaraes, who recently left High Point University to train for Team USA full time, was in a parking garage when she received the email letting her know she made the cut for worlds. She couldn’t contain her excitement and posted a reaction video before even leaving the garage.

Roundup: They’re Going To Kobe — U.S. Athletes Celebrate Their World Championships Berths

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