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04th Sep 2012

Michael McKillop Scoops His Second Gold

The 22 year old athlete has added to Team Ireland's and his own medal tally with a second gold medal in the 1,500 metres.

Rebecca McKnight

Michael McKillop will have to clear some more room on his mantelpiece now that he has a second gold medal to display from the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The man from Belfast, who not only won the 800 metres at the weekend but also set a new world record, came first in the 1,500 metre final yesterday.

He saw off his competition with an incredible run that set him six seconds apart from second position.

Michael took advantage of this cushion and enjoyed the last few strides as he waved to the thousands of fans cheering him to victory.

Michael waved to the crowd as he ran towards the finish line.

The 22 year old was then presented his medal by his mother Catherine which tugged on everybody’s heartstrings.

His gold medal is the third for Team Ireland but on a personal level, signifies much much more.

Michael told the Irish Daily Mirror, ‘It is the end of years and years of work. My parents went and found the best doctors and physios for me and they got me on the starting line.’

Proud Catherine McKillop presented her son with his gold medal.

The newspaper also reported that Sports Minister Leo Varadkar said, ‘To win a gold medal is the dream of every Paralympian but Michael’s achievement is remarkable.’

Who else would like to second that thought?

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