DAVID Weir wanted to be a part of it, New York, New York – but the double Paralympic gold medallist is more than willing to forgo his favourite race in the Big Apple for a tilt at London 2012 glory.

The 32-year-old wheelchair racer enjoyed a year to remember last season, kicking things off with triple gold at the IPC World Championships in New Zealand over 800m, 1500m and 5000m.

And he could have even made it four from four in Christchurch, had he not felt compelled to withdraw from the marathon follow the organisers’ refusal to close the roads for the race.

He then followed that up with victory at the London Marathon in April before completing a hectic season in June, having started things off in September 2010, taking a hard-earned rest following the birth of his child Mason.

That busy schedule last year included the New York marathon in November which Weir won and lists as among his favourite races – but he opted against competing there this year, on November 6, to ensure he’s firing on all cylinders for London 2012.

The Wallington speedster said: "It’s something I have missed in the past, a good block of winter training because I am either at a World Championships, or I’ve been injured or ill, so I just wanted to get in there early this year to get me going towards next year.

"Last season was a long season and I started from last September really with the Great North and then New York and then I had the World Championships and a full track season and a full road season so it was very tough.

"But that is what we do every year so I was alright about it, but I did need that break around August time when the baby was born.

"New York was maybe in the plan for this year but realistically I didn’t want to push my shoulder too much and really 2012 is the big one for me this year so I can’t really mess about and do other races, even though I love New York.

"Because I won it last year I really wanted to go back and defend my title but London 2012 is the big one and I have to make some sacrifices along the way."

Having been the only member of the British team to claim track gold at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, Weir is only too aware that the spotlight will be on him to deliver in the capital next year.

But Weir is convinced his shoulders are broad enough to burden the weight of expectation.

"I thrive on the pressure that is on me for London 2012 and I have got used to it now," he added.

"It took me a long time to get to the top and once you are at the top it is hard to stay there so you learn to deal with it and I deal with it every year.

"But I showed at Beijing and at the World Championships I played my cards right and they were very close and I could have won them or I could have lost them so hopefully I can get it right again at London 2012.

"In terms of after London 2012 I will just wait to see what happens."

The Aviva and Daily Telegraph School Sport Matters Awards recognise outstanding achievements in school sport across the country, and are part of Aviva’s wider commitment to support the next generation of British sporting talent.

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