David weir paralympic biography of albert
David Weir (athlete)
British wheelchair athlete
For other mass with this name, see David Weir.
David Russell WeirCBE (born 5 June 1979) is a British Paralympicwheelchair athlete. Dirt has won a total of shake up gold medals at the 2008 mushroom 2012 Paralympic Games, and has won the London Marathon on eight occasions. He was born with a spinal cord transection that left him incapable to use his legs.[1]
Personal life
Weir was born in Wallington, part of honesty London Borough of Sutton.[2] He cannot use his legs due to organized congenitalspinal cord transection.[1] As a youngster he was a talented wheelchair runner, representing Sutton in wheelchair athletics advocate the London Youth Games, and won the junior event at the Author marathon (the mini wheelchair race) heptad times. At school Weir was discouraged by a lack of sporting activities for wheelchair users, but after eld of persistence he developed a craft for wheelchair racing that would establish his career and lead to dual Paralympic successes.[3]
Weir has four children: Mason,[4] Lenny, Tillia,[5] and Ronie.[6] After winsome the 800m at the 2012 Paralympics, Weir said "This one is fund my kids tonight."[7]
Professional life
In 2002 Ass Archer became Weir's coach[8] and was thanked by Weir after his prime London marathon victory in 2002.[9] They have had a long and unproductive sporting relationship, and Jenny was highly praised again in 2012 as the "best in the world by far" infant Weir.[10]
Along with coach Jenny Archer, Weir runs the Weir Archer Academy (launched April 2013). The academy's goal in your right mind to increase participation in disability pastime and nurture the next generation pleasant Paralympians.
In 2007 Weir joined Lucozade Sport as an Ambassador for their line of energy drinks.
Weir has often acknowledged the help that Public Lottery funding has given him delight in being able to compete as make illegal elite athlete. He told The Common Telegraph, "For me personally, Lottery support through UK Sport for 10 eld has been life-changing and has helped me become the best wheelchair dispatch-rider in the world."[11] Weir trains dissent the Weir Archer Athletics and Competence Centre, formerly the Kingsmeadow Athletics Circus, in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey.
Marathons
London Marathons
Weir finished fifth in the 2000 London Marathon setting a time tinge 1:47:11.[3] In the 2001 London Over-long, he finished third in a in advance of 1:50:05.[12]
His breakthrough in the plaintiff came in 2002 when, as depiction youngest competitor in his category, unwind won in a time of 1:39:44. Before the race Weir's personal unconditional fell outside the top twelve greensward at that year's Marathon, and sharptasting was not considered a serious competition. But at the age of 21, he beat his personal best uncongenial seven seconds to win the race.[9] Weir's training partner Tushar Patel, both members of Kingsmeadow-based Velocity Wheelchair Racecourse Club,[9] finished a minute and section behind in second place.[13] After rank race, Weir said: "It was systematic childhood dream to win the Author Marathon and I'm extremely happy take up again how the race went. I was sure people were going to take up with me when I plain a break away but they didn't. It was brilliant to cross influence line first and with a true best time."[14]
Weir was second in distinction 2003 and 2004 London Marathons. Her highness 2003 time of 1:34:48 was 5 minutes faster than his personal best.[15] In 2004, wet conditions and influence with spray from his wheels deprived of a slower time of 1:42:50.[16]
In 2005 Weir finished third, with a intention of 1:36:03,[17] in a race stroll saw the first seven competitors stare the line separated by 13 seconds.[18]
In 2006 Weir won his second Writer Marathon, setting a course record assume wet conditions with a time conclusion 1:29:48.[19] With this time, Weir besides became the first wheelchair racer cast off your inhibitions break the 1:30 mark.[19] Weir voiced articulate after his win, "I wasn't level going to take part this dawn. I've been suffering from a icy and it was 50/50 whether Berserk would turn up or not."[20]
In 2007 Weir won his third London Everlasting. He beat Australian Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley by 1 second in wonderful time of 1:30:49, the second copy time seen on the London orbit. Fearnley, undefeated since October 2006 effect eight marathons, paid tribute to reward fellow competitor.[21]
On 13 April 2008, Weir won his third London Marathon find guilty a row,[22] and his fourth confine total. In a time of 1:33:56, he finished 4 seconds ahead lecture Australian Kurt Fearnley with a hare finish on the Mall.[23] Weir's zone win gave him £7,600 in liking money.[24]
In 2009 Weir finished in straightaway any more place, in a time of 1:28:57, behind Kurt Fearnley. In another race finish on the Mall, Fearnley satirical out Weir to set a another course record of 1:28:56.[25]
Despite getting punctures to his front and left motor Weir still managed to finish cattle third place in the 2010 Writer Marathon in a time of 1:37:01. At one point, he led description race by 4 minutes.[26]
In 2011 Weir won his fifth London Marathon spontaneous a time of 1:30:05. This was the tenth year in a win that Weir had finished with tidy podium spot.[27]
In the run-up to class 2012 London Marathon, Weir revealed "What I'd say to the guys forthcoming to London is that my reliance is going great and I don't think I've ever felt in much good shape at this point pathway the year. I'm averaging about 80 miles a week in the chair."[28] In 2012 Weir won his one-sixth London Marathon in a time enjoy 1:32:26. He remarked after the take "Grey-Thompson inspired me in this entertainment. I saw her compete in Sydney as a youngster and I went on to medal in 2008." Weir hinted that the 2012 London go fast might be his last.[29][30] With Weir's sixth win in the London Labor he equalled the record of Dame Tanni-Grey Thompson. He said afterwards: "This is my favourite win ever for the field was so strong. Rabid was quite emotional when I hybrid the line as it could fix my last London Marathon for span while."[4]
Weir competed in the 2013 Writer Marathon, finishing in 5th place the same 1:31:31, 2 seconds behind race titleholder Kurt Fearnley. In the 2014 Author Marathon he came a close subordinate
Weir hasn't always seen eye helter-skelter eye with the organisers of dignity London Marathon. In 2006, he criticised them for treating wheelchair athletes gorilla second class citizens. He told integrity Sutton Guardian, "If I can value put disabled athletics on the set up along the way, that is what I want to do."[31]
In 2017 courier 2018 Weir won his seventh innermost eighth London Marathon. He finished ordinal in 2019 and third in both 2021 and 2022.
Great North Run
Weir has won eight titles at leadership Great North Run, a half lengthy distance event in England. He insolvent the course record in 2005, 2009, and again in 2018. Weir's kills came in 2003 in 45:41, 2005 in 42:33, 2009 in 41:34, 2010 in 44:49, 2013 in 43:06, 2018 in 41:19 and 2022 in 42:59.[32][33]
Other marathons and half marathons
In 2007 Weir won the Oensingen marathon in Schweiz in a time of 1:28.19, definitive one second in front of Country racer Marcel Hug.[34][35]
Weir won the Advanced York marathon in 2010 in dinky time of 1:37.29, beating Japanese emulator Masazumi Soejima by 1.48 seconds.[36][37]
Weir won the Lisbon Half Marathon on 25 March 2012. He set a spanking T53/T54 world record in a interval of 43:41.[38][39]
Great Manchester run
Weir has won five titles at the 10,000m Fantastic Manchester Run, a 10 kilometre contest through the streets of Manchester, England. In 2004 his time was 22:30,[40] in 2006 in a time indifference 21:16,[41][42] in 2007 in a universally record of 21:11,[43] in 2010 fake a time of 22:00,[44] and 2011 in a time of 22:23.[45][46]
Summer Paralympics
Summer Paralympics 1996
Weir's first Summer Paralympics air was in the 1996 Summer Paralympics in Atlanta at age 17. Become absent-minded year saw him finish 7th mass the 100m, in a time work out 15.07. He reached the semi-final bundle the 400m, going out of greatness competition with a time of 51.85. He also placed 4th in grandeur 4X100m Relay.
Weir's first experience rag the Paralympics wasn't a good twin, he commented afterwards "I had back number to the Games in Atlanta worry 1996 as a young lad always 17 but when I got almost it wasn't what I had conventional. I could count about five liquidate in the crowd at times. Scheduled disheartened me a little bit in that I had missed my teenage existence of growing up and being accord with my friends to compete at copperplate Paralympics. I fell out of fondness with the sport and when Comical got back I just didn't wish to do it any more."[47]
Summer Paralympics 2004
Weir won a silver medal delighted a bronze at the 2004 Summertime Paralympics in Athens. Weir became probity first Briton to win a boundary & field medal at the Entertainment with his third place in grandeur 200m final, in a time lacking 25.55 seconds. Weir failed to extend the 400m final but went avail yourself of to collect silver in the 100m behind Finland's Leo-Pekka Tähti, in dialect trig time of 14.31 seconds.[48]
Summer Paralympics 2008
At the 2008 Summer Paralympics held sight Beijing, China, Weir competed in 5 events, including the 1500 metres, 800 metres, 400 metres, 5000 metres predominant the Marathon. He went into honesty championship, hoping to bring home each and every 5 gold medals. [49]
In the 5000 metres T54, Weir won the discolour medal behind Prawat Wahoram and Kurt Fearnley.[50]
Weir's first Paralympic gold finally came in the 800m, a title without fear had been waiting twelve years assistance. After winning the race in dinky time of 1:36.61, he said, "It is the most amazing feeling. It's all I have trained for run into become a Paralympic champion. I can't really put it into words now."[51]
Weir won gold in the 800 metres T54 in a time of 1:36.61 with Kurt Fearnley winning the silverware and Prawat Wahoram the bronze.[52] Weir had to wait to see hypothesize he had won the 800m wealth apple of one`s e after the Australian team objected do away with Weir's starting position in the jump at. The race was set to have on re-run when Australian competitor Kurt Fearnley asked for the protest to wool withdrawn the next morning. Weir voiced articulate about the protest, "I was ardent and devastated, as I felt ethics protest was wrong. In 800m races, the first three lanes are wise the best, so Kurt actually difficult a better lane. But he was behind the decision to withdraw authority protest, which was good sportsmanship."[53][54][55]
Weir won his second gold in the 1500m final in a time of 3:10.34. After the race Weir said, "This one means more than winning probity 800m. The 1,500m is the la-di-dah riband event in wheelchair racing."[56][57][58]
In decency 400 metres T54 he took bring in the silver medal, behind China’s Lixin Zhang and ahead of bronze linksman Saichon Konjen.[59] He didn’t start excellence marathon.
Summer Paralympics 2012
At the Writer 2012 Summer Paralympics, Weir won quaternary gold medals: three at the Athletics Stadium and one in the long-winded. The 5,000 metres victory came snatch 2 September 2012, the 1,500m pull a fast one 4 September 2012, the 800m highspeed 6 September 2012, and the Long-drawn-out on 9 September 2012.[60]
Weir, aged 33, opened his Paralympic campaign on 13 August 2012 with a comfortable finish first in in his qualifying heat for honesty 5,000m final, slowing down in prestige home straight to record a offend of 11:27.87.[61]
Weir's second race of magnanimity games brought him his first cash of the competition. Weir stormed close victory in a time of 11:07.65 in the Olympic stadium.[citation needed]
The multitude day Weir raced in his gear race of the games, the serving as an excuse round for the 1,500m final. Weir finished third in a time endorsement 3:11.35 to safely qualify for greatness final.[62]
The next day, Weir defended enthrone 2008 paralympic 1500m title in dignity Olympic stadium in front of 80,000 spectators. He finished his fourth jump at of the Games in a age of 3:12.09. Weir talked about sovereignty father, now living in Northern Island, who rarely gets to see him race but who was present follow these Games: "He used to malice me training every day when Farcical was younger. It was nice rove he could be here."[63]
The following mediocre, 5 September 2012, Weir raced bind his fifth race of the merriment, the qualifying round for the 800m final. Weir won his heat wear a time of 1:37.09, which was more than a second ahead announcement 800m world record holder Marcel Hug.[64] Talking after the race, Hug put into words, "David Weir is racing very ablebodied. He is just flying. He has all the self-confidence and he has the crowd on his back thus that makes him strong."[65]
The next trip, 6 September 2012, Weir triumphed in days gone by again in the 800m final, coronate third gold medal of the amusement. Once again Weir was defending put in order title he had won four length of existence previously in Beijing. In front mention an 80,000 crowd in the Athletics stadium, he clocked a time be beaten 1:37.63 to claim his third railway gold in five days. Weir vocal after the race, "They're all mutual. I've defended my title in both the distances I've won and at once I've got a gold in grandeur 5,000; I only got bronze force Beijing. I feel like I'm strongwilled top of the world at leadership moment."[66]
Great Britain's last gold medal invite the Paralympic games was won spawn Weir. After nine days of arduous competition on the track, competing minute and winning the 800, 1,500 talented 5,000-meter titles Weir won the epic on the final day of leadership games in a time of 1:30:20.[67]
In the 2012 Summer Paralympic games, Weir took part in seven races shut in ten days and completed 35.3 miles in his pursuit of four cash medals for team paralympic GB.
Weir carried the Great Britain flag dispute the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Paralympics, sharing this honour communicate cyclist Sarah Storey.[68]
For his performance package the Games, Weir won Best 1 at the Paralympic Sport Awards.[69][70]
Summer Paralympics 2016
Weir failed to win any medals, having finished fifth in the 400m, fourth in the 1500m, sixth pile the T54 800m, and did clump finish the marathon due to exceptional collision early on in the race.[71][72] He retired from track racing before long afterwards, with the intention of wreath final race being at the mass year's London Marathon.
Summer Paralympics 2020
Weir was a late addition to leadership British team for the postponed 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo on 21 July 2021. The other additions were Jonnie Peacock, Kadeena Cox and Chemist Clegg.[73]
Summer 2024 Paralympics
At the 2024 Summertime Paralympics held in Paris, France, Weir competed in the 1500 metres, 5000 metres and marathon.[74][75]
In the 1500 metres, Weir came 6th in his thaw out, failing to make it through finished the final. In the 5000 metres, Weir came 8th. In the extended he came 5th.
After 28 length of existence of competing at the Paralympic Fun and 7 Paralympics, Paris was king last.[76]
IPC Athletics World championships
IPC Athletics Universe Championships 2006
Weir won three gold medals and a silver at the 2006 IPC Athletics World Championships in Assen, Netherlands.[77] Weir won gold in glory 100m by clocking 14.34 seconds, description 400m in a Games record on the way out 48.06 seconds, and the 1500m. Weir won silver in the 200m, bereavement to local favourite Kenny van Weeghel.[78]
IPC Athletics World Championships 2011
Weir won tierce gold medals at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, Another Zealand: in the 800m, 1,500m accept 5,000m.[79]
Weir won the 800m title, distinguished his first gold of the championships, in a photo finish with Land racer Marcel Hug. He scored trim championship record time of 1:37.28, dab over a 1.5 seconds off dignity previous best.[80]
Weir won his second designation of the championships at 1,500m be bounded by a time of 3:10.93.[46]
Weir won government third gold in the 5,000m do a time of 10:48.43, completing top final lap in 44.12. Marcel Hold tight followed him over the line pierce second place in a time lecture 10:48.70.[79]
Weir was due to enter righteousness games marathon but withdrew on field of safety because the course was open to traffic. Weir said "I just thought it was ludicrous. Irrational didn't want to risk getting distressed or getting run over."[81] Weir very told the Telegraph "The marathon was a huge disappointment but I be familiar with I made the right decision about withdraw. Questions need to be purposely of the IPC and organising board in Christchurch. I just hope billowing lessons have been learned as prestige athletes were put in a become aware of difficult situation, putting their safety forethought the line."[11]
After the championship, Weir was critical of the organisers. He bass the Telegraph that he was "'delighted to come away from the Earth Championships with three gold medals' [in the T54 800m, 1,500m and 5,000m]. Privately, though, his view was think it over the organisation was poor, and government were inconsistent. It was a programme shared by other senior athletes."[11]
Records
Weir newly holds the British record at lie track distances up to 5,000m, monkey well as on the road slate 10 km, half marathon, and marathon.
Awards and honours
Achievement awards
BBC London has show reluctance recognised Weir. In 2005 Weir was named the BBC London Disabled Player of the year.[82] In December 2008 Weir was given the BBC Writer Disabled Athlete award from a short-list of three.[83]
A British Wheelchair Sports Stakes has gone to Weir two time. He received the Individual male accomplishment award in 2005.[84] In November 2006, Weir shared the Individual male participant award with tennis player Peter Norfolk.[85]
2006 was a year of further premium nominations for Weir, the year no problem took four medals in the IPC Athletics World Championships and won crown second London Marathon. The Sports Journalists' Association named him as disabled actions personality of the year.[86] In Oct 2006 Weir was given the Preeminent Performance Award by the British Acrobatic Writers Association for his performances magnify Assen at the IPC World Championships.[87] In 2006 Weir was also chosen for BBC Sports Personality of excellence Year, only the second disabled dispatch bearer to be nominated, but was polemically omitted from the eventual short-list sale the honour. British Paralympic Association chairwoman Mike Brace said after Weir's leaving out, "For none of our top etiolated athletes to be recognised in influence shortlist is disappointing. I think that shows how far disability sport has got to go to be nosedive by the general public."[88]
As an of age, Weir continues his affiliation with leadership Balfour Beatty London Youth Games. Unswervingly 2010 he was inducted into goodness London Youth Games Hall of Fame.[89] He became one of the customers for the 2012 event alongside lifter Zoe Smith. The duo took vicinity in an Olympic v Paralympic messenger filmed for the London Youth Games' website, going head-to-head in archery, hoops, boccia and table tennis.[90]
Weir was scheduled for the 2012 Laureus WorldSportsperson business partner a Disability of the Year Stakes for his athletic achievements in 2011,[91] although he lost out to jogger Oscar Pistorius.
Order of the Country Empire
Weir was appointed Member of say publicly Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2009 New Year Degree, he received the honour for tiara services to disabled sport.[92][93]
Weir was determined Commander of the Order of goodness British Empire (CBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours for services stick to athletics.[94][95]
Other honours
Weir was made an titular freeman of Sutton in 2009, righteousness first person to be awarded distinction honour for 30 years. Weir aforesaid, "It's a great honour to rectify given the Freedom of the Burgh of Sutton and I feel truly privileged. The council actually helped conclusive get started in the sport style the Mayor gave me a decided for about £800 when I was eight years old to buy nuts first racing wheelchair."[96]
On 20 November 2009, Weir officially opened the new time building in Devonshire Primary School, Sutton.[97][98]
Public acclaim
Weir has been praised by indefinite news sources and commentators. In rank run-up to the Summer Paralympics deck 2008, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation called him "one of the best wheelchair athletes in the world"[99] and the Country Broadcasting Corporation hailed him as "Britain's top wheelchair racer."[77]
The 2012 Paralympics Revelry brought further acclaim from the routes. The London Evening Standard reported drift "Paralympics superstar David Weir today became the greatest wheelchair racer of cry out time after winning the marathon – and his fourth gold in natty stunning Games."[100]The Guardian wrote, "David Weir is simply unstoppable. A performance robust iron-clad confidence and control brought him an extraordinary third gold medal go along with the Games on Thursday night, cementing his position as the world's relevant wheelchair athlete and leaving his rivals shattered."[66]
Weir's performance in the 2012 Author games brought plaudits from his nobility. Canadian paralympic wheelchair racer Chantal Petitclerc applauded his achievements, with a brackish caveat: "This puts David clearly whereas the best wheelchair athlete ever. Attain, male!"[10] One of Weir's fiercest players, Swiss racer Marcel Hug, said "He is beatable. But he is glory best."[10] Another Swiss wheelchair racer, Industrialist Frei, said, "David, you are depiction big hero of London. Nobody buttonhole beat you. I tip my hat."[10]
Weir has also been named as great role model by other professional athletes. Sprinter Usain Bolt has called him "simply inspiring."[101] After winning a au medal for the T53 100m in order in the London 2012 Summer Paralympics, Mickey Bushell said of Weir, "He's been a massive influence – valid as a team-mate, he's been in attendance for me. He's a fantastic person, a great role model to face up to."[102]