By Justin Gaymon // Photo by Karthik Adimula

Mike Brannigan made his international debut on Monday at the Parapan Am Games in Toronto, Canada, winning the T20 1,500m in 4:04.32, just two one-hundredths of a second ahead of Luis Arturo of Venezuela.

The race, which was delayed because of inclement weather, was the second to last for the first day of track and field competition.

Here’s a look at the medal count after day one’s track and field competitions at the Parapan Am Games:

In qualifying for the Parapan Am Games, Brannigan shattered the T20 1,500m world record by more than five seconds with 3:48.85 at this past June’s US Paralympic Track and Field National Championships in St. Paul, MN. That performance came just one day after running 9:00.59 in the Brooks-PR Invitational 2-mile in Seattle, WA.

The T20 is a sport classification that broadly covers athletes with intellectual disabilities. Brannigan, who recently graduated from Northport HS on New York’s Long Island, was diagnosed with autism when he was 18 months old.

Despite his disability, Brannigan has established himself as one of the best distance runners in New York history. His long list of impressive performances include winning 2014’s New Balance Outdoor Nationals two mile (8:53.59) after setting the New York state 3,200m record (8:42.92) during the Louck’s Games.

Brannigan, who now competes as a member of the New York Athletic Club, is considered the favorite to win next year’s Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The track and field portion of the Parapan Am Games will continue through August 14. Results can be found on the event website and live streaming is available courtesy of the IPC.