Gold Medalist inspires Next Generation

Local Paralympian Champion Richard Whitehead returned home from Rio with a Gold and Silver medal after successfully defending his Paralympic title, storming to gold in the T42 200m and achieving the seemingly impossible by winning a joint Silver in the T42 100m final.

The 40-year-old, originally from Lowdham, swept to victory in the 200m at the Olympic Stadium in 23.39 seconds, four years after winning at London 2012. Meaning Richard is now the world and Paralympic champion in the T42 200m, he also set a new Paralympic record en-route to the final!

In the 100m, Richard made up ground in the closing stages but it was not enough to beat champion Scott Reardon who equalled the Paralympic record of 12.26. Richard shared second spot on the podium after recording the same time, 12.32, as Denmark’s Daniel Wagner.

Geraldine, Richard’s Mum, who still lives in Lowdham and has supported him tirelessly every step of the way said: “We are so proud of what Richard has achieved. He has had to overcome so many obstacles over the last 40 years, and for us to see him reach the heights he has is wonderful.

“It’s been such a long journey of ups and downs, but his great success is thanks to all the people who have shown such great faith in him. He can now give back to the sport and to local children and as a Father himself now, inspiring the next generation is something very close to his heart.”