IRISH ATHLETE MICHAEL McKillop has secured a second gold medal at the Paralympic Athletics European Championships in Swansea today.
McKillop added a T38 1500m title to the T38 800m he won on Wednesday, triumphing with a time of 4:16.73, comfortably ahead of second place Louis Radius (4:21.44), with Dean Miller of Great Britain (4:22.24) in third.
Speaking following the race, the Antrim native said: “The race started very slow, in fact it was the slowest first lap I can remember. I decided to go out front to ensure I wouldn’t get tripped but it just stayed so slow I decided to pick it up, and I just built it up from there.”
McKillop also paid tribute to those who helped him recover from a serious foot injury, which kept him out of action for most of last year.
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“Championships are about medals and I’m absolutely delighted to have won both here. After a tough challenging year it’s very satisfying to finish the season on such a high. Massive thanks and credit must go to my dad (Paddy); my coach, and all the team at SINI (Sports Institute Northern Ireland) and everyone who has had a hand in getting me back in such good shape at the right time.”
The 24-year-old’s achievement means Ireland have won a total of four golds and one silver at this year’s event.
Ireland's McKillop secures double gold at European Championships
IRISH ATHLETE MICHAEL McKillop has secured a second gold medal at the Paralympic Athletics European Championships in Swansea today.
McKillop added a T38 1500m title to the T38 800m he won on Wednesday, triumphing with a time of 4:16.73, comfortably ahead of second place Louis Radius (4:21.44), with Dean Miller of Great Britain (4:22.24) in third.
Speaking following the race, the Antrim native said: “The race started very slow, in fact it was the slowest first lap I can remember. I decided to go out front to ensure I wouldn’t get tripped but it just stayed so slow I decided to pick it up, and I just built it up from there.”
McKillop also paid tribute to those who helped him recover from a serious foot injury, which kept him out of action for most of last year.
“Championships are about medals and I’m absolutely delighted to have won both here. After a tough challenging year it’s very satisfying to finish the season on such a high. Massive thanks and credit must go to my dad (Paddy); my coach, and all the team at SINI (Sports Institute Northern Ireland) and everyone who has had a hand in getting me back in such good shape at the right time.”
The 24-year-old’s achievement means Ireland have won a total of four golds and one silver at this year’s event.
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1500m 800m Dean Miller double gold European Championships Louis Radius Michael McKillop Swansea Winning