Canada leaves Para athletics worlds with 14 medals, its best showing since 2013

Canada wrapped up the World Para Athletics Championships with four medals Monday, including gold by runner Nate Riech, and 14 overall for its highest total since earning 15 in 2013.

Riech, 28, successfully defended his men's T38 1,500-metre title from 2019, stopping the clock in four minutes 3.07 seconds at Charlety Stadium in Paris.

"Things opened up with 100 metres to go," the Victoria resident told CBC Sports. "I'd say it was one of the most fun experiences I've ever had being part of Team Canada, this culture, and I can't wait for [the 2024 Paralympics]."

In 2018, he set world records in the men's 800 and 1,500 at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Berlin.

Riech twice lowered his 1,500 mark in 2019 and 2021, which currently stands at 3:47.89. His 5,000 world record has stood since 2021.

WATCH | Riech reaches 1,500m finish line 1st in 4:03.07:

At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, he clocked a Games record 3:58.92 in the men's final and previously won races in the distance in record time at worlds and Parapan American Games.

"I didn't know how long I would be in this sport," he said. "I wasn't having as much fun earlier [this] year and now I'm having the most fun I've ever had and want to be in the sport for as long as possible."

The middle-distance runner suffered a traumatic brain injury at 10 years old while golfing with friends, as a player from another group accidentally struck him in the back of the head from 150 yards with a shot.

The injury affects the right side of Riech's body, placing him in the T38 classification for athletes with coordination impairments to a low degree in the lower trunk and legs, entire body or down one side.

Liam Stanley, also from Victoria, was seventh in Monday's competition in