Weir stunned again by second defeat

Struggling David Weir was again left to wonder what might have been as he fell to a second shock defeat in as many days, this time in the T54 5,000m final.

The world record-holder, who came into the Games with high hopes of winning five gold medals, had to settle for bronze behind Prawat Wahoram of Thailand and long-time rival Kurt Fearnley of Australia.

The day had started on a more positive note for Weir as he comfortably won his heat in the 800m, and things appeared to be improving after his illness the previous day saw him only able to take silver in the 400m, his strongest event.

However, it became clear in the closing stages of the 5,000m that all was still not well.

Despite the pace of the race being almost pedestrian at points, when reluctant long-time leader Wahoram made his break with 300m to go, Weir’s trademark explosive sprint finish deserted him.

Instead, as the leading trio made their way down the home straight, Weir was fading fast and was beaten from second into third on the line by Fearnley.

After the race, Weir was again at a loss to describe another rare defeat.

“It’s another medal, but I really just want one gold, that’s what I came for. The 5,000m is a very difficult race, even though I hold the world record, it’s tactical, and mentally tough,” he said.

“I didn’t want to go to early, but I did get boxed in for a while and just didn’t have enough at the end.”

He vowed to continue fighting for a first Paralympic gold, and said that his illness would not hold him back.

“I’m not changing my plans, I’m not a quitter.”

“Hopefully in a few days I’ll feel much stronger. I know I’m in great shape as my training has gone so well,” he said.