Josie Pearson's Gold Medal Joy

Channel 4: Josie's Gold Medal Joy

Great Britain's Josie Pearson stormed to victory in the women's F51 discus - and smashed the world record three times in the process.

(PRWEB) September 08, 2012

Great Britain's Josie Pearson stormed to victory in thewomen's F51 discus - and smashed the world record three times in the process.

"It's a total disbelief moment that's not gonna sink in for a long time," Pearson told C4 Paralympics. "It's the culmination of so many years' hard work - amazing. Everything's paid off and I can't believe it. I can now say that I'm Paralympic champion!"

The 26-year-old, sporting Union Jack earrings, topped the results table with a world record-breaking throw of 6.58m, leaving her nearest rival, Catherine O'Neill of Ireland, trailing in her wake.

After her throws she was given a points score of 1122 - revised to take into account the severity of her disability - which left her 242 points clear of the rest of the field. Incredibly, all six of her throws were good enough to win gold.    

"To compete in front of your home crowd with everyone behind you is just the most amazing feeling - I'm absolutely ecstatic. I'm never going to forget this," she said. "The atmosphere was mind-blowing, and knowing people have paid good money to come and support you just gives you that extra boost."

Pearson was left paralysed from the chest down after breaking her neck when she was 17 in a car accident that claimed the life of her boyfriend. She took up sport as part of her recovery, and became the first woman to represent ParalympicsGB at wheelchair rugby in Beijing in 2008.

After turning her attention to athletics, she was forced to give up wheelchair racing because of the risk of injury and only took up discus 18 months ago. Within a few months she had thrown 6m – just 13cm short of the F51 world record in the discus.

"It took me a while to find my sport," she joked. "I started wheelchair racing but didn't do as well as I wanted to do, so I started to chuck stuff instead!"

And now she's made it to a gold medal at London 2012.

"Being at a home games has been the most amazing experience of my life," said Pearson.

"The whole experience has been phenomenal. I'm going to celebrate with chocolate, crisps and a glass of wine!" 

• For all the latest news from the 2012 Paralympics, follow @C4Paralympics on Twitter and like theC4Paralympics Facebook page

Oscar Pistorius Tips Jonnie Peacock for Greatness

Channel 4: Pistorius Tips Peacock for Greatness

Oscar Pistorius believes Britain’s Jonnie Peacock is ready to inherit his title as the king of Paralympic sprinting after his stunning victory in the battle of the blades.

(PRWEB) September 07, 2012

Oscar Pistorius believes Britain’s Jonnie Peacock is ready to inherit his title as the king of Paralympic sprinting after his stunning victory in the battle of the blades.

Pistorius was full of praise for his T44 100m rival after Peacock blew away a high-class field to take gold at the Olympic Stadium in a new Paralympic record of 10.90 seconds.

“Jonnie’s a great athlete. I enjoyed racing against him tonight,” said Pistorius, who was edged out of the medals by American Richard Browne and his fellow South African Arnu Fourie.

“He was inspiring. He really epitomises the profession. I think what people witnessed here is the beginning of a phenomenal career for him.

“My hat goes off to him. I pass the baton over to him from my last Paralympic championship [Pistorius won 100m gold in Beijing] and he’s the right guy to give it to. Congratulations to him.”

Peacock emerged from his medal ceremony with three gold medals around his neck after receiving two golden paper plates from overjoyed fans in a pulsating Olympic Stadium.

“I can’t think of words to describe it,” the 19-year-old told C4Paralympics.

“When I broke the world record in Indianapolis I expected three or four people who knew about it to thank me on Twitter and I got hundreds and hundreds of emails to say well done.

“But this is amazing. To see the support the Paralympics is getting at the moment is surreal.”

Peacock had his right leg amputated below the knee at the age of five after contracting meningitis.

He was still learning how to run on a blade in 2010 and has improved his best time by almost 1.5 seconds under the direction of coach Dan Pfaff, who also trains Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford.

Peacock’s was one of six GB golds on ‘Thriller Thursday’, taking ParalympicsGB on to 108 medals - and surpassing their target of 103 with three days still to go at London 2012.

“For the past four days I’ve been in the village trying to keep focus,” said Peacock, who revealed that he intended to celebrate by “going out a lot”.

“But when you’ve got guys like David Weir going out and getting golds you just want to go out and be a part of that.

“We are really putting on a show and the Paralympics GB team here are so strong. I’m so proud to be a part of this.” 

• For all the latest news from the 2012 Paralympics, follow @C4Paralympics on Twitter and like the C4Paralympics Facebook page

Oscar Pistorius Wants Paralympics to Leave Legacy of Integration

Channel 4: Pistorius Wants Paralympics to Leave Legacy of Integration

Superstar sprinter Oscar Pistorius wants the London Paralympics to leave a legacy of regular integration for Paralympic sport in able-bodied events.

(PRWEB) August 28, 2012

Superstar sprinter Oscar Pistorius wants the London Paralympics to leave a legacy of regular integration for Paralympic sport in able-bodied events.

The 25-year-old South African is making history this summer as the first amputee track athlete to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics but sees no reason why his feat should be a one-off.

"Showcasing an event or two, that's the best thing that should come of this Paralympic Games," said Pistorius, who reached the 400m semi-finals and the 4x400m relay final at the London Olympics.

"It would be a kind of legacy showing people, and giving them the opportunity to view Paralympic sport and then giving them follow-up competitions the next year and in years to come on the world stage."

To get in tune for the London Games, Paralympians Marcel Hug, of Switzerland and Australia's Kurt Fearnley took part in an exhibition 1500m wheelchair race at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne.

Pistorius, a four-time Paralympic gold medallist, has called for showcase events like this one to be extended across athletics and other sports.

"It would be wonderful if some of the Diamond League or [athletics' governing body] IAAF races incorporate to have races for athletes with disability," he said.

"The spectators love it. You see the 1500m wheelchair races and people that are not normally exposed toParalympic sports are all of a sudden watching the events and that's the foot in the door to showcasing what it's really about.

"The same could be done for swimming and cycling. Our top Paralympic cyclists contending with the world's best is not only something that should be reserved for every four years at a world stage like this.

"It's something that bodies like the IAAF and [swimming governing body] Fina need to have a look at in the future. It would be a lovely thing to see."

Despite his landmark appearance at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, Pistorius believes holding both events simultaneously remains an impossibility.

"It's a question that has come up many, many times," Pistorius mused. "As far as a logistics point of view, it would be extremely difficult.

"To host all the athletes and have a lot more venues is something that I don't think would ever be possible.

"And some of the Paralympic athletes say they're happy having the Olympics as a warm-up!

"I'm as proud to be a Paralympian as I am an Olympian. I don't think there's anything to be ashamed of. I don't think [Olympic and Paralympic integration] will ever happen and I don't think it'll ever need to."

Pistorius, who runs on prosthetic carbon fibre limbs, had to fight a long battle with the IAAF to compete against able-bodied athletes, with the courts ruling in his favour in 2008.

His appearance at the London Olympics saw his dream come true but the 25-year-old says the opportunity for other Paralympic athletes to cross over into able-bodied events has always been there.

"The doors have always been open," Pistorius added. "A lot of the guys I run against - [Britain's] Jonnie Peacockand [American] Jerome Singleton - run at their regional races and many of their training partners are able-bodied athletes.

"I've just been hard-working and talented enough to compete on an international level and it's not that now that I've done it I've opened the door, the door has always been open pretty much long before I was around."

Pistorius is preparing for a busy Paralympics Games where he is attempting to defend this titles in the T44 100m, 200m and 400m as well as taking part in the 4x100m relay.

"I'm feeling pretty good, I was really well-conditioned from the [Olympic] 400m three weeks' ago," warned the four-time Paralympic gold medallist.

"The 200m and 400m I'm pretty comfortable on but the 100m is going to be the tough event.

"The 100m has always been a very closely-contested race and there have always been strong competitors. The likes of Johnnie Peacock, [Americans] Jerome Singleton and Blake Leeper and Arnu Fourie, my room-mate - that's going to be a bit awkward the night before the final.

"There are six guys that can all have a good foothold, that's why it will be a strong event.

"I've been more than impressed with Peacock. He's a huge threat. My personal experience, though, is that experience counts a lot.

"If I could just get in the top three in that I'll be very happy.

"My focus is on trying to defend my titles but I have to be realistic and say that the 200m and 400m I'm better suited to." 

• For all your latest news ahead of the 2012 Paralympics, follow @C4Paralympics on Twitter and like the C4Paralympics Facebook page

Oscar Pistorius Predicts Closely-fought Sprint Showdown

Pistorius Predicts Closely-fought Sprint Showdown

Oscar Pistorius has admitted he does not fancy his chances of winning one of the most highly-anticipated races of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

(PRWEB) August 28, 2012

Oscar Pistorius has admitted he does not fancy his chances of winning one of the most highly-anticipated races of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The Blade Runner's showdown with British sprinterJonnie Peacock in the T44 100m final next Thursday night will be a highlight of the Games.

The South African is the defending champion, but has more recently focused on qualifying for the Olympic Games over 400m.

Only last week the 25-year-old raced for the first time over 100m in 16 months.

‘I think it's important to note I haven't run a 100m personal best in five years,’ said Pistorius, who will also race in the 200m, 400m and 4x100m Relay.

‘It's not really my event so, although I do feel threatened, I don't feel helpless. As Jonnie and those guys focus on the 100m, my focus is on the 400m, on the opposite side of the spectrum when it comes to sprinting.

‘If I can just get in the top three I think I'd be very happy.

‘My focus is on trying to defend my titles, but then I have to be realistic and say the 400m and the 200mare the events I am better suited at.’

Pistorius, who will carry the South African flag for the first time at tomorrow's opening ceremony, revealed he had lost 11 kilograms since Beijing 2008, but had spent the last three weeks in the gym to bulk up as much as possible for the shorter sprints.

Nineteen-year-old Peacock broke the 100m world record with a run of 10.85 seconds in June and Pistorius admitted his progress has taken him by surprise.

‘He improved by more than half a second,’ he added. ‘You never see that, especially in the 100m, it just doesn't happen. He is a huge threat.’

But there are also the likes of American Jerome Singleton, who beat Pistorius at the 2011 IPC World Championships to worry about, as well as a rival more closer to home - his room-mate Arnu Fourie.

The first round of the men’s T44 100m takes place on Wednesday 5 September.

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Oscar Pistorius Makes the 400m Semi-finals

Channel 4: Blade Runner Makes the 400m Semi-finals on Olympic Debut

South Africa's four-time Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius realised a dream after he made it through to the semi-finals of the 400m on his Olympic debut.

(PRWEB) August 06, 2012

South Africa's four-time Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius realised a dream after he made it through to the semi-finals of the 400m on his Olympic debut.

The 25-year-old, who runs with prosthetic limbs, became the first male Paralympian to compete in the Olympics - and the first amputee to compete in athletics - and made it into the semis by coming second in his heat.

The double amputee was unable to book a place in the final as he struggled out of the blocks and finished eighth in his semi-final in a time of 46.54, after being out of contention by the time he reached the final straight.

Grenada's Kirani James won the heat in a time of 44.59 and immediately asked Pistorius for the name off his running vest as a memento.

"Oscar is something special in our event," said James. "It was a memorable moment for me to be out here with him."

Pistorius, who fought a long battle to be allowed to compete in the Olympics, had looked comfortable in recording a time of 45.44 seconds in his heat - his fastest of the season and just 0.37 off his personal best.

After Saturday's heat an emotional Pistorius said: "Thank you to everyone. I didn't know whether to cry or be happy.

"It was the most amazing experience. I have competed so many times in the UK this crowd feels like a second home to me."

Pistorius has also been selected in South Africa's 4x400m relay team at the Olympics, with the heats taking place on 9 August and the final the following day.

He will be competing in the T44 class at the 2012 Paralympics in the same Olympic Stadium. At the 2008 Paralympics he won gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m.

A 17-year-old Pistorius also won gold in the 200m and bronze in the 100m at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens.

Natalia Partyka of Poland, who was born without a right hand and forearm and will compete in the class 10 at the Paralympics, made it through to the third round of women's Olympic competition at London 2012 before being knocked out.

She competed at the Sydney Paralympics at the age of 11 and also qualified for both the Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing four years ago.

South African's legendary Paralympic swimmer Natalie du Toit, a leg amputee who has won 10 gold medals and will compete in the S9 class at London 2012, also competed in the Olympics in 2008. 

• For all your latest news ahead of the 2012 Paralympics, follow @C4Paralympics on Twitter and like the C4Paralympics Facebook page

Oscar Pistorius Humbled by Support

London 2012: History-maker Pistorius Humbled by Support

Oscar Pistorius insisted he was not at the London Olympics to prove a point as he bowed out of the 400 metres.

(PRWEB) August 06, 2012

Oscar Pistorius insisted he was not at the London Olympics to prove a point as he bowed out of the 400 metres.

The 25-year-old, who made history by becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete in an Olympics, finished last in his semi-final in 46.54 seconds.

The public support for the South African, known as Blade Runner, is almost unrivalled.

The roar which greeted him when he was introduced to the crowd was loud enough to rival that which welcomed British competitors in front of their Host Nation fans.

Pistorius, whose aim had always been the semi-finals, said: 'I am struggling to find a way to describe it. It is really humbling all the support I have had.

'It has been an unbelievable experience. I didn't come here to prove a point. I wanted to do the best I could possibly do and push myself as hard as I can.

'I won't know who to shout for [in the final] tomorrow. They are such gentlemen. This has been one of the best experiences of my life.

'Just being out in front of this crowd, 70,000 felt like 170,00, was an unbelievable experience.'

The four-time Paralympic champion, who had his lower legs amputated at 11 months old after being born without a fibula in either leg, swapped name bibs with Grenada's Kirani James after the race after the world champion approached him.

'When we crossed the line, for Kirani James to give me his number shows the kind of sportsmen we have in the Olympic Games,' added Pistorius, who will be back in the stadium for the 4 x 400m Relay.

'We have a lot of respect for each other. For him to ask for my bib number shows what a true gentleman he is.'

James added: 'Oscar is someone special, especially in our event. It's a memorable moment for me to be out here performing with him.

'He's an inspiration to all of us. He is very special to our sport. He's a down to earth guy and a great individual. I thought it was a nice gesture to exchange bibs. I am going to keep it.'

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office.

Oscar Pistorius will make history

"Blade Runner" to Compete at London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games

Oscar Pistorius will make history by becoming only the sixth athlete ever to compete at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

(PRWEB) July 04, 2012

Oscar Pistorius will make history by becoming only the sixth athlete ever to compete at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The 25-year-old has been chosen for the Olympic individual 400m and 4x400m relay team before defending his T44 100m, 200m and 400m titles at the Paralympic Games, becoming the first man ever to compete in both Games in a summer.

Pistorius' individual 400m place had looked doomed after he missed his final opportunity to clock a sub-45.3second time - the Olympic 'A' standard time - at the African Championships in Benin last week.

However, the South African Sport Confederations and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) overlooked its selection policy by naming Pistorius in its London 2012 squad on Wednesday.

"Today is truly one of the proudest days of my life," Pistorius said in a statement.

"To have been selected to represent Team South Africa at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the individual 400m and the 4x400m relay is a real honour and I am so pleased that years of hard work, determination and sacrifice have all come together.

"I have run two Olympic ‘A’ standard times over the past 12 months and with the time I ran at the African Championships last week I know my speed and fitness are constantly improving so that I will peak in time for the Olympics."

Pistorius helped South Africa to 4x400m silver at the World Championships in Daegu last year, although he did not take part in the final.

The South African is known as "the fastest man on no legs" and competes with the aid of prosthetic running blades, hence his other moniker ‘Blade Runner’.

Pistorius was born without fibulas, one of the bones that runs from the knee to the ankle, and had both legs amputated below the knee when he was just 11 months old.

"Today is really one of the happiest days of my life! Will be in @London2012 for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games!” he tweeted.

“Thank you to everyone that has made me the athlete I am! God, family and friends, my competitors and supporters! You have all had a hand!” 

• A comprehensive guide to classification in athletics is available on the IPC's website
• For all your latest news ahead of the 2012 Paralympics, follow @C4Paralympics on Twitter and like the C4Paralympics Facebook page