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Irishman Michael McKillop breaks first world record at London’s new 2012 Olympic stadium - VIDEO

Beats personal best time at the Visa London Disability Athletics Challenge


Michael McKilop
Michael McKilop

An Irish Paralympian set the first adult world record in the new London 2012 Olympic Stadium on Tuesday in the 1,500m race.

Michael McKillop (22) hit a new record of 3:49.53, taking 15 seconds off his best time at the Visa London Disability Athletics Challenge on Tuesday afternoon.

"It's nice to be here and breaking a world record. I'm happy to be the first male to do it in the stadium," the Antrim athlete told reporters.

"It was incredible and enjoyable and an experience I wanted to get out of my system. It's one of those things - you want to walk into a stadium for the Paralympic final without worrying or thinking 'Oh my God, the stadium is huge' or 'the track is bigger'," he said.

"It's only a 400m track with lots of seats around it basically, so it's similar to where I train which is also a 400m track. I've just got to get used to it."

The Irishman is now tipped as a favorite for the approaching Paralympic Games' 800m and 1,500m events. The 22-year-old won T37 gold at 800m in the Beijing Paralympics four years ago.

"Whenever I step on the track, whoever I'm racing I always want to beat them and today I knew I was capable of running 3:59," a proud Michael added.

According to Paralympics.ie, McKillop is coached by his father Paddy, and will be targeting double Paralympic gold in London.

Watch Michael McKillop talk about developing a love for sprinting and the feeling of being the first to cross the finish line.


Nster.com


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