PARALYMPICS Teenager Michael McKillop wins 800m Gold at World Paralympic Athletics Championships in New World Record Time

Michael McKillop wins Gold at the Paralympic World Athletics Championships in Holland
Michael McKillop wins gold in 800m in a new world record time of 2.02.13
Derek Malone just misses out on place in T38 400m final
                               

September 8, 2006

Michael McKillop set a new Paralympic World Record of 2.02.13 in the final of the T37 800 meters to win his first Gold and second medal of the World Championships.   The 16-year-old Co. Antrim athlete, ranked third fastest going in to the final behind Mohamed Charmi (Tunisia) and Djamel Mastouri  (France), kicked for home with 150 meters to go, winning in impressive style.

Michael, who is a pupil at St. Malachy's School and coached by his father Paddy, displayed maturity beyond his years, keeping composure in a tense and exciting final. In front of the largest crowd attendance so far, nobody could match McKillop for pace when he made his decisive move for the line and ultimate victory.

Finishing 5th in the semi final of the T53 200m, Roy Guerin produced a season's best time of 29.36 seconds. The time was not enough to book the Tralee based wheelchair athlete a place in the final.      

Field Athletes John McCarthy and Garrett Jameson are competing in the Club F32/51 combined competition. The competition is running late with the John and Garrett lying 3 rd  & 4th respectively. The final result will be sent when available.

Noel Brennan, Team Manager, said, "Michael has taken a huge step today. He has made his mark on the International scene and is a force to be reckoned with. His energy and positive attitude has been an asset to the team this week and everyone is delighted for him."   

Saturday at the Championships will see the James McCarthy in F57 Shot Putt competition.

The IPC World Championships is the most prestigious event for disability athletes outside the Paralympic Games, with 1500 athletes competing from 77 countries in 240 events. An added incentive for athletes is that performances will have a direct bearing on the allocation of competition places for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. The Irish team comprises of 14 Athletes (10 Men, 4 Women) from three disability groups, supported by a staff complement of 9 coaches and officials.

For further Information contact

John Fulham  communications@pcireland.ie                  087 2709182

Paul McDermott                Irish Sports Council                      087 6486295

or visit the Paralympic Council of Ireland Website www.pcireland.ie

Images with Sportsfile