My best and worst moments: Ireland’s Michael McKillop

Ireland’s middle-distance star Michael McKillop has been the man to beat in the 800m and 1,500m T37 ever since he won 800m gold and 1,500m silver at 2006 IPC Athletics World Championships.

In this week’s edition of our ‘Best & Worst Moments’ series, the 26-year-old double world record holder reveals how that competition in the Netherlands 10 years ago taught him a lesson he would never forget.

My best moment

The best moment has to be at last year’s IPC Athletics World Championships. After struggling with injury for the best part of six months and looking at the very real possibility of having to pull out of the competition, I managed to retain both of my world titles. I was elated, relieved and emotional! Those two golds meant so much after such a tough year. Now I can go into Rio 2016 knowing I am currently the best in the world and this gives me added confidence.

My worst moment

Back in 2006 at the IPC World Athletic Championships, I went into the 1,500m with the quickest PB and season’s best - and thinking this was my chance of winning gold. I toed the line and tried my best but in the end I came up short of my goal. I came second to Djamal Mastouri, the more established, composed, strong and mature athlete. I cried with disappointment. It made me more determined going into my 800m final. I learned a lot that day: you should never underestimate your competitors.

Sport fans from around the world can now buy their Paralympic tickets for Rio 2016 from authorised ticket resellers (ATRs).

The IPC’s Global ATR is Jet Set Sports, and Rio 2016 tickets and packages can be purchased on the CoSport website.

Residents of Brazil can buy 2016 Paralympics tickets directly from the Rio 2016 website.