David Weir 'may retire after London Paralympic Games'
EMOTIONAL David Weir won his sixth London Marathon wheelchair race and then admitted: "It could be my last one."
The Wallington athlete feels that, at the age of 32, his career could be coming to a close as the strain of training and travelling across continents to compete takes its toll.
But he says he was left overwhelmed by Sunday's win, which equalled Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson's record of six victories.
David, who lives on the Roundshaw Estate, said: "I didn't realise the pressure, but afterwards you sit back and it is important – it's 2012.
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"I was a bit emotional, it could be my last one.
"I've got a young family. I have a daughter who is nine and I feel like I'm missing out on her life.
"My young son is eight months old and I've another on the way.
"When you get to a certain age it's quite hard on the mind and the body.
"I want to be a daddy and do that side of my life as well.
"After the London Paralympics I'll probably have a year out and see.
"I've had a really big tick list of what I've wanted to win during my career.
"The number of ticks are near the bottom now."
David said he has to focus on other events before the summer's Paralympics, but is naturally dreaming of gold in the 800 metres, 1,500 metres, 5,000 metres and marathon events which he plans to compete in.
He explained: "It's going to be the greatest show on earth – it's special to be competing on home soil. I would say 2012 is the big one for me."
On Sunday, David got the chance to speak about the Paralympics with Prince Harry.
"He's a really nice guy. He tapped me on the shoulder and said really well done," he said.
"I asked if he was going to be watching the Paralympics and he said 'of course, as much as I can'."
David won two golds at the Paralympic games in Beijing 2008.
He has been awarded the MBE and four years ago became the first person in 30 years to be given the Freedom of the London Borough of Sutton.
Speaking about his life after the Paralympics, David said: "Most likely I won't say I'm retiring, but I'll probably have a year out and wait and see if I can get the hunger back to train."
Weir won his fifth London Marathon title last year with a perfectly timed sprint finish.
In 2010 he lost a four-minute lead when he suffered two punctures, finishing third.
Comments
by djerbel2
Saturday, April 28 2012, 11:09AM
“great day out i went up to watch my son run roll on the olympics”