First Track and Field athletes to be selected for Rio 2016
ParalympicsGB have announced the first wave of track and field athletes who will compete at Rio 2016.
David Weir, four time gold medallist at London 2012, is joined by fellow Paralympic champions Aled Davies, Hannah Cockroft and Richard Whitehead.
Weir said:
“To be a part of ParalympicsGB once again is a huge honour. My first appearance came back in 1996 and the feeling of representing my country is as strong as it was when I put on the British vest in Atlanta.”
Aled Davies, winner of the men’s F42 discus throw and shot put at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships, said:
“London 2012 was the start of my journey in the sport and to have won two medals at the Games was a dream come true. The Paralympic Games is the pinnacle of the sport, so to be selected once again is a huge achievement for me.”
Cockroft is selected after winning the women’s T34 100m, 400m and 800m at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships, while Whitehead successfully defended his title in the men’s T42 200m. Also selected is T36 800m World Champion Paul Blake.
Today’s announcement takes the number of selected athletes to 161 from 13 sports. A further announcement will take place in late July to confirm the remaining places on the team for track and field.
