DOHA, Qatar - The big smile in the picture tells the story.

Jessica Heims of Cedar Rapids Prairie raced to a fifth-place finish in the 400-meter run at the 2015 International Paralympic World Championships in Qatar Wednesday afternoon.

She also placed fifth in the discus at the World Games on Sunday.

Heims was timed in 1 minute, 12.48 seconds in the 400, chopping nearly three seconds off her previous best. Marie-Amelie Le Fur of France won the race in 59.3 seconds. Grace Norman of the United States finished third in 1:03.83.

There are various categories for athletes at the World Championships, depending on the nature of their disability. Heims competed in the T44 category in the 400 dash.

Heims, a junior at Prairie, had the lower part of her right leg amputated within 12 months of being born due to a birth defect. She has been active in a variety of sports, including the triathlon, and competes with the Prairie girls track team.

Heims' parents traveled to Qatar to watch their daughter compete in the international event. She also set a personal record in the discus with a throw of 82 feet, 9 inches.

Athletes from 97 countries have been competing in the Paralympic World Championships, including 84 athletes from the United States. The Paralympic Games have been held since 1952.

WOMEN'S 400 METER T44

1. Marie-Amelie Le Fur, France, 59.30
2. Irmgard Bensusan, Germany, 1:03.27
3. Grace Norman, United States, 1:03.83
4. Federica Maspero, Italy, 1:07.41
5. Jessica Heims, United States, 1:12.48
6. Madison Wilson Walker, Canada, 1:15.68