David Weir, a six-time Paralympic champion, has announced his retirement from competing for Great Britain after placing fifth in the men’s T54 marathon on the last day of this year’s Paris Games.
The athlete admitted: “I’m quite emotional as I know it’s my last race for GB, this will be my last international… I knew before I came to Paris and I’ve been thinking about it all week. It’s the decision I want to do. It’s the right decision.”
The 45-year-old will still compete in the main international marathons, including London. In his athletic career, he won two golds in Beijing in 2008 before taking home four medals in London in 2012.
“I’ll still do the major marathons as I really enjoy them and I’ve got Berlin in two weeks,” Weir added.
Weir’s athletic journey
After making his debut in Atlanta as a young athlete in 1996, Weir competed in his seventh Games. Earlier in the programme, he placed eighth in the 5,000-metre final but was unable to get past the heats in the 1500-metre race.
After Rio 2016, he withdrew from international competition, claiming he had been accused of race-fixing and failing to earn a medal. However, he joined the team again and participated in the Tokyo marathon, finishing in fifth place. He then decided to race in Paris on the track and road.
Weir said: “My body just couldn’t cope with it today, to be honest… I was the oldest in that field today but still highly competitive. Daniel [Romanchuk, who finished fourth] is 20 years younger than me – I could be his dad – so I’m doing alright. I gave it my all today and that’s all I can give.”
He further remarked: “I’ll look back on my GB career with pride. I don’t really pat myself on the back. I should really. I should be proud of what I’ve done… “I’ve had a great career. I’m trying not to get emotional but it’s time. I think it’s time.”
Source: BBC