McKillop adds 1500m gold to 800 title

Michael McKillop joined Jason Smyth in winning double gold at the Paralympic Athletics European Championships in Swansea, when adding the T38 1500m title to the T38 800m one he claimed on Wednesday this morning.

The reigning Paralympic, world champion and world record holder at both distances won by nearly five a seconds, in a time of 4:16.73, from Louis Radius of France (4:21.44) and Dean Miller of Great Britain (4:22.24).

“I really enjoyed it, it’s been a tough couple of months for me with injuries,” said McKillop, who even managed a wave to his team mate Smyth in the stands as he rounded the final bend. “It’s great to be able to come here and do a job for my country - it makes me very proud.

“It was such a slow first lap and the French guy (Radius) kept saying ‘too slow’ but it’s a championship race and I don’t know what he expected me to do. I had always planned to build up the race with each lap and I was able to pull clear on the last lap.

“I want to take this form in to the World Championships next year and then on to Rio.”

Having been sidelined for the vast majority of the last year with a serious foot injury, this was only McKillop third 1500m of the season.

He added: “Championships are about medals and I’m absolutely delighted to have won both here. After a tough challenging year it’s very satisfying to finish the season on such a high. Massive thanks and credit must go to my dad (Paddy); my coach, and all the team at SINI (Sports Institute Northern Ireland) and everyone who has had a hand in getting me back in such good shape at the right time.”

McKillop's gold brought Ireland's medal haul to five (two golds and one silver), which hit the targets set by Paralympics Ireland, according to head of athletics James Nolan.

“Our stretch target for this week was five podium finishes,” he said. “With all the variables in elite Paralympic athletics it is very rare to achieve your stretch target. I am delighted for the athletes, team staff and personal coaches.”