London Calling: Cuba's Omara Durand

The world’s fastest female Paralympian Omara Durand cannot wait to rekindle the joy she felt at the London 2012 Paralympic Games when she lines up at the city’s iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this summer.

The venue for July’s World Para Athletics Championships holds great memories for Durand as the place where she won her two first Paralympic gold medals over 100m and 200m.

Now the Cuban sprinter is hoping to repeat that success this year back on British soil, and make her country proud once again.

Durand, 25, recalls with joy the first time she competed in London, a city which she describes as ‘very pretty.’

“I really like the city and am sure I will very much enjoy visiting London again this year,” she explained.

“It was the track where I became Paralympic champion for the first time. I then went on to win another three gold medals at Rio 2016, but you never forget your maiden titles. It is huge for me to run again at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“I remember the emotions I felt when I won those two golds medals in 2012. It was great satisfaction to fulfill my dream after so much hard work. And I am determined to relive those emotions this year at the World Championships.”

Durand will be aiming to defend the hat-trick of titles she won at the 2015 World Championships in Doha, Qatar as she takes on the 100m, 200m and 400m T12 in the British capital.

“I am very much motivated ahead of the World Championships in London and aim to get there in top form,” said Durand, who holds the world record in all three events.

“I seek to achieve my best possible results. My daughter Erika and my family inspire me day after day. I love my sport and enjoy competing very much.

“Besides, my coach Miriam Ferrer and my guide Yuniol Kindelan also deserve to win because they are always next to me, supporting me, giving their best effort, making huge sacrifices.

“I want to perform well for all the Cubans who follow my career as well.”

The London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships take place from 14-23 July 2017. To buy tickets click here.