In arguably the most competitive class of wheelchair racing, Britain’s David Weir used the significant pressure of being the home crowd hero of London 2012 to his advantage. Weir’s face had been on posters throughout London in the build-up to the Paralympic Games and in the T54 class, he proved unbeatable, winning a record four gold medals. In winning at 800 metres, 1,500 metres and 5,000 metres, Weir beat the world record holder Marcel Hug of Switzerland.
His fourth and final gold in the marathon saw him beat Australia’s outstanding racer Kurt Fearnley. Despite his tough competition schedule in London, Weir served as a mentor for a number of young athletes and continues to work with talented juniors in his London-based training group. Five months prior to London 2012, Weir won a record sixth London Marathon.
