McKillop revels in Olympic Stadium return

Michael McKillop produced another trademark front-running performance to claim victory in the T36/37 800m at the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games in London's Olympic Stadium.

McKillop was clearly moved by his return to a venue that holds so many fond memories for him.

The Antrim native became the first male athlete to break a world record at the stadium before going on to scoop two gold medals at the Paralympics.In the past week, he has been in Lyon, where he made it a Double Double (as did his room-mate Jason Smyth) by taking the honours in the T37 800m and 1500m at the IPC World Athletics Championships. He broke the 800m world record and set a new championship mark for the 1500m.

Those exertions may have prevented him from setting another new standard but he streaked clear in the straight to win in 1.58.65 in a pillar-to-post success.

"It was unbelievable" said McKillop. "Getting the opportunity to run in this stadium again... this is really where I found who I am and how good I was, and I was able to back it up in Lyon.

"It's incredible and mind-blowing to be back in the stadium. It's nice to have people's support; it doesn't matter what country you come from.

"In 2017 I'll be back here (for the World Championships) and fingers crossed I can keep the reputation up of winning."

In the T37 100m, Heather Jameson flourished in the fantastic atmosphere. The 16-year-old was running in lane 8 and enjoyed a tremendous battle with Isabelle Foerder. The Dubliner finished very strongly to snatch fifth from the experienced German, recording a season's best of 15.17 in the process.

Catherine O'Neill was the first Irish athlete in action, with the two-time former world champion from Wexford participating in the F31/32/51 club throw.

It was a high class competition as evidenced by the winner Becky Ritcher throwing a stadium record of 14.70 for a total of 999 points.

O'Neill finished third, throwing 13.36m for 898 points, just behind British hero Josie Pearson.