Paralympics 2012: David Weir Wins Second Gold For ParalympicsGB

David Weir Wins Second Gold For ParalympicsGB

David Weir's Paralympic campaign went from strength to strength when he won his second gold in the Olympic Stadium.

The wheelchair racer, fresh from his 5,000 metres triumph two days ago, defended his T54 1,500m title in front of a rapturous home crowd last night.

The Earl of Wessex was among the audience in a packed stadium who roared Weir, 33, to victory.

David Weir won a second gold medal for ParalympicsGB

The crowd rose for the final lap, when he pulled out in front to take the lead, winning the race in three minutes 12.09 seconds.

Weir, whose pregnant fiancee Emily Thorne is due to give birth to the couple's second child next month and was watching from their south London home, was interviewed inside the stadium and asked what went through his mind before the race.

To a roar from the crowds, the athlete said: "I'm just thinking of winning. That's the only thing that's on my mind."

He said he was going to do his best to win another medal in either the 800m or the marathon he is yet to compete in.

"I've been dreaming of this for seven years, since we got the announcement," he added, referring to the moment London was awarded the Games. "It's been amazing so far."

Speaking to Channel 4, he added: "I'm very proud. A shock really because the field in the 1500 this year's been so strong and I've only won a couple of races so coming in this race I was probably only fourth fastest on paper."

Peter Eriksson, UK athletics Paralympic head coach, said he was delighted by Weir's performance.

"Outstanding - what can you say," he said. "He is hard to beat at any distance. I think it means a lot to him. This is exactly what he wanted to do and he's living it now."

Weir did not receive his medal last night, and will be presented with it later.

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